red mass

noun

often capitalized R&M
: a votive mass of the Holy Spirit celebrated in red vestments especially at the opening of courts and congresses

Word History

First Known Use

1889, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of red mass was in 1889

Dictionary Entries Near red mass

Cite this Entry

“Red mass.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/red%20mass. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!