Sacrament
/ˈsæ.krə.mənt/noun
A religious ceremony or act regarded as an outward and visible sign of inward and spiritual divine grace.
Did you know?The term 'Sacrament' is derived from the Latin 'sacramentum', which originally referred to a solemn oath, often linked to ancient rites of initiation and secrecy.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
sacramentum
“A sacred oath or promise, often related to rituals or initiation.”
Early Christian Era
Latin
sacramentum
“Adopted in Christian texts to describe sacred rites imparting grace.”
4th Century
Greek
mystērion
“Used in Christian contexts to denote sacred mysteries and divine truths.”
Middle Ages
Old French
sacrament
“Referring to the Christian rites of baptism and communion.”
Modern English
English
sacrament
“A formal term for Christian rituals recognized as means of grace.”