noun
- A Christian religious ceremony, especially the washing of the feet of poor people by a church official on the Thursday before Easter.
- Money or gifts distributed to the poor on Maundy Thursday.
Usage: Often capitalized as 'Maundy' when referring to the specific Christian observance.; Primarily British usage.
Usage: Historical usage; refers to alms given during the Maundy ceremony.
adjective
- Of or relating to Maundy Thursday or the Maundy ceremony.
Usage: Used in phrases such as 'Maundy Thursday' and 'Maundy money'.
Examples
- The Queen participated in the Maundy ceremony, washing the feet of elderly parishioners.
- Maundy Thursday falls on the day before Good Friday.
- In medieval times, nobles would distribute maundy to the poor as an act of charity.
- The church held its annual Maundy service with traditional hymns and prayers.
- Maundy money is still given out by the British royal family each year.
- The bishop presided over the Maundy observance at the cathedral.