noun
- small medallions or badges bearing the image of Christ’s face, especially those sold to pilgrims
Usage: historical; religious
Examples
- Medieval pilgrims often purchased vernicles as souvenirs of their journey to holy sites.
- The Canterbury Tales mentions pilgrims wearing vernicles on their hats.
- Vernicles were popular religious tokens in the Middle Ages.
- She collected various vernicles from different pilgrimage destinations.
- The museum displayed ancient vernicles alongside other medieval artifacts.