Votive
/ˈvəʊ.tɪv/ adj, noun
adj, noun ·Rare ·Advanced level
Definitions
Noun
- 1 a hymn or chant dedicated to a particular saint, or to the Virgin Mary
Adjective
- 1 Dedicated or given in fulfillment of a vow or pledge.
"She placed a votive offering at the shrine."
- 2 Of, expressing, or symbolizing a vow. Often used to describe thick cylindrical candles found in many churches, lit when making a private vow or asking a private intention.
"The church was lit by votive candles."
Adjective
- 1 dedicated in fulfillment of a vow wordnet
Example
More examples"Having climbed all the way to the shrine, I decided to dedicate a votive horse tablet."
Etymology
From Middle French votif, from Latin vōtīvus (“votive”), from vōtum (“vow”).