maundy

noun

maun·​dy

variants or Maundy

ˈmȯndē,

ˈmän-,

-di

plural -es

often attributive

1

: a ceremony of washing the feet of the poor on Maundy Thursday

2

a

: alms distributed in connection with the maundy ceremony or on Maundy Thursday

b

: maundy money

With the growth of the numismatic hobby … the silver Maundy coins, especially full sets … have become more highly prized and correspondingly expensive.

—Herbert C. Bardes, New York Times, 22 Mar. 1964

maundy coinage

3

obsolete : feast

Word History

Etymology

Middle English maunde, from Old French mandé, from Latin mandatum command, order; from the words spoken by Jesus to his disciples after washing their feet at the Last Supper, "a new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another" (John 13:34 Authorized Version)

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

1. Expanded definitions
2. Detailed etymologies
3. Advanced search tools
4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now