paten

Pat"en, n. Etym: [LL. patina, patena, fr. L. patina, patena, a pan; cf. L. patere to be open, E. patent, and Gr. patène. Cf. Patina.] 1. A plate. [Obs.] 2. (Eccl.) Defn: The place on which the consecrated bread is placed in the Eucharist, or on which the host is placed during the Mass. It is usually small, and formed as to fit the chalice, or cup, as a cover. [Written also patin, patine.]

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