sursum corda

noun

sur·sum cor·da ˌsu̇r-səm-ˈkȯr-də

-ˌdä

1

often capitalized S&C : a versicle that in traditional eucharistic liturgies exhorts the faithful to enthusiastic worship

2

: something inspiriting

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin, (lift) up (your) hearts; from the opening words

First Known Use

1537, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler

The first known use of sursum corda was in 1537

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Browse Nearby Words

sursum-

sursum corda

surtax

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Sursum corda.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sursum%20corda. Accessed 3 Nov. 2025.

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