Sanctus

noun

Sanc·tus ˈsaŋ(k)-təs

ˈsäŋ(k)-təs,

-ˌtüs

: an ancient Christian hymn of adoration sung or said immediately before the prayer of consecration in traditional liturgies

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Late Latin Sanctus, sanctus, sanctus Holy, holy, holy, opening of a hymn sung by the angels in Isaiah 6:3

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of Sanctus was in the 15th century

See more words from the same century

Cite this Entry

Style

“Sanctus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Sanctus. Accessed 4 Nov. 2025.

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