P
Pall.—A square card, the upper side of which is covered with silk the color of the Church Season and underneath with linen, loosely stitched so as to be readily removed in order to be washed. It is used to cover the Chalice when the Holy Eucharist is celebrated.
Palm Sunday.—The Sixth Sunday in Lent, the first day in Holy Week. It commemorates the entry of our Lord into Jerusalem when the people strewed {205} the way with palm branches and cried, "Hosanna to the Son of David." It was formerly customary for worshippers to appear on this day in procession carrying in their hands palms, or yew or willow branches, which were blessed before the beginning of the Communion Service. On Palm Sunday the Church has always begun to set before God and man the Gospel account of the Passion of our Lord, that by St. Matthew being read on this day. (See LENT, SUNDAYS IN.)
Paraclete.—Another name for the Holy Ghost, signifying one who is invoked to aid or comfort. It was this word our Lord used when He said, "I will send you another Comforter," i.e., Paraclete. Elsewhere, the word is also translated Advocate.
Paradise.—The place where the souls of the righteous dwell during the INTERMEDIATE STATE (which see). The name is also applied to the happy abode of Adam and Eve before the Fall.
Parish.—The term "Parish" as used in the American Church signifies a local congregation having a church building, and duly organized under the title of "Rector, Wardens and Vestrymen." It is always given a name, such as St. John's, Christ Church, Trinity, etc. It is competent for any number of persons, usually not less than ten, to associate themselves together to form a Parish. In the articles of association, the Parish acknowledges and accedes to the Constitution, Canons, Doctrines, Discipline and Worship of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the Diocese in which it is located. If on presentation of these articles, the Council or Convention of the Diocese gives its consent, the Parish shall be accounted duly established. {206}
The word is derived from the Greek Paroikia, and was originally used to designate the sphere of a Bishop's jurisdiction as distinguished from that of an Archbishop, but when the former was gradually parcelled out into smaller portions these began to be called Parishes.
Parish House.—By reason of the growing activities of the American Church, it is found necessary to have some building other than the church where the active and sometimes secular work of the Parish can be carried on, a place where societies, guilds, schools, etc., can have their own proper "workshop." Such building is called the "Parish House," and is absolutely necessary for any active and growing Parish.
Parish Register.—A book in which all births. Baptisms, Confirmations, deaths, and marriages that occur in the Parish are recorded, together with the list of Families and Communicants. The importance of the Parish Register and the care with which it should be kept will appear when it is considered that it is a legal document.
Parishioner.—One who belongs to a Parish. The Parish partakes of the character of the people who compose it; if they are earnest and devoted, loyal and true to the Church's appointments, the Parish is sure to be prosperous. In other words, the Church lives as they who are of it live. It is vital with their vitality. It is a live body as they are live Christians. Thus the success of a Parish is not wholly dependent on the Rector, but on the people as well.
Parochial Mission.—(See MISSION, PAROCHIAL.)
Parson.—The old name used in England for the {207} rector or incumbent of a parish. Parson and person are the same word, being derived from the Latin Persona. The Parson is so called, as Blackstone tells us, "because by his person the Church which is an invisible body, is represented."
Paschal.—Pertaining to Easter, from the fact that the original name of the Festival was Pascha, i.e., the Passover.
Passion.—Meaning suffering, and is used almost exclusively of our Lord's sufferings, as expressed in the article of the Creed, "Suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried."
Passion Sunday.—The Fifth Sunday in Lent is so called because on this day our Lord began to make open prediction of His sufferings, and in her round of worship the Church begins the solemn commemoration of His Passion and Death. (See LENT, SUNDAYS IN.)
Passion Tide.—The name given to the last two weeks of Lent beginning with the Fifth Sunday in Lent, during which our Lord's Passion and Death are commemorated.
Passion Week.—The week before Holy Week. This name should not be applied to the last week of Lent, which is properly called Holy Week, or as called by the primitive Christians, the "Great Week."
Pastor.—A Latin word meaning Shepherd. Christ having called Himself the Good Shepherd, or Good Pastor, the name has been assumed for His Ministers. They bear the same relation to the Flock over which they are placed. A Pastor is a Teacher, Guide, Exemplar, Friend, Administrator. He deals with {208} individuals. His intercourse is personal. His offices are for all and for each. Pastorship includes many and varied offices,—Minister, Rector, Preacher, Priest, but all offices and all labors have reference to men's spiritual interests. He who is a Pastor has the cure, i. e., care, charge of men's souls. Pastorship, therefore, is a very sacred as well as a very responsible office. It is well to note that a minister is not a Pastor simply because he is ordained; besides the Divine call and Divine appointment in ordination, there is also the call from the people to define that number of souls over which the charge is to be exercised. This is brought out in the "Office of Institution of Ministers into Parishes or Churches," to be found in the Prayer-book.
Pastoral Letter.—A letter issued by the Rector of a Parish, or by the Bishop of the Diocese on some subject affecting the welfare of the Church in its devotions or work. Perhaps the most important of such Pastoral Letters is that which is issued by the House of Bishops at the close of each General Convention, touching on grave questions of the day or on the prospects of the Church throughout the nation, and which is required by canon to be read in all the churches.
Pastoral Staff.—A staff used by a Bishop, as an ensign of his office, at all public Episcopal Ministrations. It is generally borne by his chaplain. The Pastoral Staff is made in the shape of a shepherd's crook and is frequently given to the Bishop at his consecration, to denote that he is then constituted a shepherd over the Flock of Christ. This use of the {209} Pastoral Staff comes down to us from the most ancient times.
Paten.—The plate, made of precious metal, on which the Bread is consecrated at the Holy Communion and from which it is administered to the communicants. When properly made, the lower part of the Paten will fit into or over the edge of the chalice. The word is derived from the Latin, Patena or the Greek, Patane, meaning a flat, open dish. (See VESSELS, SACRED.)
Paul, Conversion of Saint.—A feast of the Church observed on January 25th, in memory of the Conversion of St. Paul, through whose preaching God caused the Light of the Gospel to shine throughout the world. St. Paul is not commemorated as the other Apostles are, by his death or martyrdom, but as stated above, by his Conversion because it was so wonderful in itself and was so important and beneficial to the Church. He labored more abundantly than they all. While the other Apostles had their particular fields of labor, St. Paul had the care of all the churches and by his labors contributed very much to the propagation of the Gospel throughout the world. There are good reasons for believing that he extended his Apostolical labors even to the remote island of Britain. We find him described by two names, Saul and Paul, the first being Hebrew, relating to his Jewish origin and the other Latin, assumed by him, as some think, at his conversion, as an act of humility, styling himself less than the least of all saints. St. Paul suffered martyrdom, having been beheaded, in the sixty-eighth year of his age, at Rome, under Nero, in the general {210} persecution of Christians upon the pretense that they set fire to the city. It was from the instrument of his execution that the custom arose of representing him in ecclesiastical art with a sword in his hand.
Penance.—In the early ages of the Church the commission of grievous error in life or doctrine was, punished by exclusion from the Communion of the Church; and in order to obtain readmission, offenders were obliged to submit to a prescribed course of penitence. The regulations as to the length and manner of this discipline varied in different times and in the several branches of the Church; the administration of it was chiefly in the hands of the Bishops. It is this "godly discipline" to which reference is had in the Commination Office in the Prayer-book of the Church of England, and which is used "until the said discipline may be restored again, which is much to be wished." Penance is also regarded as one of the lesser Sacraments.
Penitential Office.—An office of deep devotion and contrition to be used on Ash Wednesday, which was added to the Prayer-book at its last revision in 1892. Its place in the service is during the latter part of the Litany. It may be used on other days at the discretion of the minister. (See ASH WEDNESDAY.)
Penitential Psalms.—Being the 6th, 32d, 38th, 51st, 102d, 130th and 143d Psalms of David, all of which are read during the services on ASH WEDNESDAY (which see). There are no prayers more fitted for penitent sinners than the Seven Penitential Psalms, if we enter into the feelings of compunction, {211} love, devotedness and confidence with which the Royal Psalmist was penetrated. The purport of each psalm may be briefly stated as follows:
Psalm 6 exhibits a sinner in earnest and hearty prayer after having sinned, with assured hope and confidence in the mercy of God.
Psalm 32 shows how a sinner is brought to understand his sins, to confess and bewail them and obtain remission.
Psalm 38, in which the penitent earnestly prays to God to pardon his sins and mitigate his punishment.
Psalm 51 shows the great sorrow of a sinner for his sins.
Psalm 102 shows how a sinner in affliction of mind prays to God and derives comfort from His help and goodness.
Psalm 130 shows how a sinner in tribulation cries to God for deliverance; while
Psalm 143 may be used in any spiritual or temporal tribulation.
Pentecost.—The Greek name for the "Feast of Weeks" in the Jewish Church. The word means fiftieth, the Feast being fifty days after the Feast of the Passover. Whitsun Day is so called, being observed fifty days after Easter, the Christian Passover, and because it was on the Day of Pentecost that the Holy Ghost was given. (See WHITSUN DAY.)
Peter, festival of Saint.—A Holy Day of the Church observed on June 29th in honor of the Apostle Saint Peter, and is one of the oldest of Christian Festivals, having been traced back to the Second Century. St. Peter was one of the first two disciples {212} whom our Lord called. His original name was Simon or Simeon, which was changed into Cephas, which in the Syrian language, signifies a stone or rock; from this it was derived into the Greek Petros, and so termed by us Peter. This new name was to denote the firmness and constancy which St. Peter should manifest in preaching the Gospel and in establishing the Church. He has left two Epistles which appear in the New Testament as the "First and Second Epistles General of St. Peter." It is said that his later years were spent at Rome where he was crucified with his head downwards, on the hill where the Vatican now stands, on the same day, June 29th (as is generally believed) that St. Paul was beheaded A.D. 63. In ecclesiastical art St. Peter is variously represented, with a key in his hand; with a key and church; with keys and cross; in chains and in prison, etc.
Philip (St.) and St. James' Day.—A Festival observed on May 1st in memory of two Apostles of our Lord, St. Philip and St. James. The reason for coupling together the names of these two Apostles is not quite clear, but it may be taken as an illustration of the manner in which our Lord sent forth His Apostles, two and two. St. Philip was a native of Bethsaida, a town bordering on the Sea of Tiberias and was one of the first of our Lord's disciples and was His constant companion and follower. He brought Nathanael, a person of great note and eminence, to the knowledge of the Messiah; and it was to St. Philip that certain Greeks went with the request, "Sir, we would see Jesus." St. Philip is said to have carried the Gospel to Northern Asia, where by his {213} preaching and miracles he made many converts; his name has also been connected with the Church in Russia. He suffered martyrdom at Hieropolis, a city of Phrygia, where he was crucified and stoned on the cross. In ecclesiastical art St. Philip is variously represented; with a basket in his hand; with two loaves and a cross; with a tall cross and book, etc. For notice of St. James see article on James (St.) the Less.
Piscina.—A stone basin with a drain pipe to carry off water used in the ablutions of the sacred vessels at the celebration of the Holy Eucharist.
Plain Song.—The name given to the ancient music with which the Church service was rendered. Thus Blunt in the Annotated Prayer-book, speaking of Church music says, "In the remodeling of our English services, the great aim was not to discard, but to utilize the ancient plain song, to adapt it to the translated offices, to restore it to something more of its primitive 'plainness,' to rid it of its modern corruptions, its wearisome ornaments and flourishes so that the Priest's part, on the one hand, might be intelligible and distinct, not veiled in a dense cloud of unmeaning notes, and the people's part made so easy and straightforward as to render their restored participation in the public worship of the Sanctuary at once practicable and pleasurable."
Post Communion.—The name given to that portion of the Communion Office which is read after all have communicated, and is the giving of thanks for the grace received.
Postulant.—The canonical name for one who {214} desires to become a Candidate for Holy Orders and whose name is entered by the Bishop upon the list of Postulants, as required by Canon 2, Title I of the Digest. A Postulant having been duly received may afterwards be recommended by the Standing Committee of the Diocese, to the Bishop for admission as a Candidate for Holy Orders.
Postures in Public Worship.—The principles involved in the postures to be taken in Public Worship are set forth in the article on KNEELING (which see). While to the stranger in the Church the various postures taken in the services seem complicated, yet the rule for them is very simple, which is this: We stand in praise, kneel in prayer and are seated during the hearing of the Word.
Prayer.—Prayer has been defined as the soul's converse with God, or communion with God in devotional exercises, and may be said to be a universally recognized necessity in the life of man. But prayer involves much more than simply asking for certain things, which seems to be the common conception of this duty. Properly speaking, prayer consists of five parts, as follows:
1. Adoration \ 2. Thanksgiving / which concern Gods glory. 3. Confession \ 4. Petition / which concern our individual needs. 5. Intercession, which concerns the needs of others.
The efficacy of prayer rests on the Mediation of Christ, and its warrant is to be found in the words, "Ask and it shall be given you; seek and ye shall {215} find; knock and it shall be opened unto you." God our Father has promised to hear the petitions of those who ask in His Son's Name, and who faithfully call upon Him and we know that His promise cannot fail. There are many remarkable instances of the power of prayer to be found both in the Old and the New Testaments, as well, also, in the lives of many earnest and faithful men who, in this present time, continue "instant in prayer."
Prayer Book, The.—The title of our manual of devotions is "The Book of Common Prayer." It is called Common Prayer, because it is to be used by the Congregation in Public Worship, and is thus distinguished from prayer in private. As such it comprehends the needs, feelings and devotions common to all. The efficacy of Common Prayer consists in its being a united service and to this end arises the necessity of a prescribed form. Such prescribed form had its origin in the Christian Church from the very earliest ages, and so early were Liturgies introduced that four of them are mentioned under the names of St. Peter, St. Mark, St. James and St. John. (See LITURGIES.) Liturgies thus became an inherent feature of the Christian Church, and wherever it was planted its worship was according to such prescribed form. Thus when Christianity was introduced into Britain we find a Liturgy in use there from the beginning. This Liturgy continued in use, although varying in many details in different dioceses, until it was superseded by the Book of Offices set forth by Osmund, Bishop of Salisbury, in A.D. 1078, known as the Sarum Use. This was adopted with little variation by {216} most of the Churches of the Kingdom. But gradually the Public Offices became defaced by the innovations and corruptions of Rome; these, however, were expunged at the time of the Reformation and the Book of Common Prayer was set forth. The Prayer-book as we now have it is the result of a long period of study and legislation. It is to be noticed that it was not the object of the English Reformers to create something new, to introduce innovations, but simply to exclude errors and corruptions. To this end, they retained those portions of the ancient Formularies which were sanctioned by the Holy Scriptures and by primitive usage. The first practical result of this movement is seen in the First Prayer-book of Edward VI set forth in English, and which was publicly used on Whitsun Day, June 9th, 1549. Afterwards many other revisions took place, until the English Prayer-book, as it practically is now, was set forth in 1662; since which time only a few and unimportant changes have been made. The American Prayer-book, adapted from the English Book was set forth and ratified October 16th, 1789, and afterwards revised in 1883-1892, as it now stands. (See RESPONSIVE SERVICE, FORMS, also SCRIPTURES IN PRAYERBOOK.)
Prayers for the Dead.—Prayers for the departed are in accordance with the devout instinct and loving heart of man, and are sanctioned by all the Liturgies of the Primitive Church. In these we find that the commemorations of the departed were not only general commemorations, but that names of persons who were to be prayed for were read out from the DIPTYCHS {217} (which see). The devout mind does not argue about "Prayers for the Dead," he prays them.
"How can I cease to pray for thee? Somewhere
In God's great universe thou art to-day.
Can He not reach thee with His tender care?
Can He not hear me when for thee I pray?"
Precentor.—The name given to the choirmaster; one who is director of the music in a choir.
Pre-Lenten Season.—The name commonly given to the weeks preceding Lent covered by the three Sundays entitled, Septuagesima, Sexagesima and Quinquagesima. The Season is so called because the services on these Sundays are intended to prepare us for the due observance of Lent. (See SEPTUAGESIMA.)
Presbyter.—The original word for "Elder" in the New Testament is Presbuteros, shortened in English to Presbyter; further shortened to Prester, and finally to PRIEST (which see, also ELDER).
Presentation of Christ.—A Festival of the Church observed on February 2. It is a double Festival as we learn from its title which reads, "The Presentation of Christ in the Temple, commonly called the Purification of Saint Mary the Virgin." "This connection," says Blunt, "of the two events is, doubtless, to show the close relation which the acts of the Blessed Virgin bore to the Incarnation of our Lord; and that she is most honored by associating her with her divine Son." The Festival is popularly called CANDLEMAS (which see). It is the fortieth day after Christmas, that being the period at which the rites of Purification and Presentation were enjoined by the Law. {218}
Presiding Bishop.—The name given to the Senior Bishop by consecration of the American Church, who presides in the House of Bishops and in the General Convention when both Houses meet as one body. When the Convention is not in session he acts as Primate of the American Church. Following is the list of those Bishops who have acted as
Presiding Bishops:
1—Bishop Seabury from Nov. 14, 1784, to Feb. 25, 1796.
2—Bishop White from Feb. 25, 1796 to July 17, 1836.
3—Bishop Griswold from July 17, 1836, to Feb. 16, 1842.
4—Bishop Chase from Feb. 16, 1842, to Sept. 20, 1852.
5—Bishop Brownell from Sept. 20, 1852, to Jan. 13, 1865.
6—Bishop Hopkins from Jan. 13, 1865, to Jan. 9, 1868.
7—Bishop Smith from Jan. 9, 1868, to May 31, 1884.
8—Bishop Lee from May 31, 1884 to April 12, 1887.
9—Bishop Williams from April 12, 1887 to Feb. 7, 1899.
10—Bishop Clark from Feb. 7, 1899.
Priest.—The shortened form for Presbyter. The title of the second Order of the Ministry. His chief duties are to offer the Holy Sacrifice in the Eucharist, to administer Baptism, to give absolution, to give the Priestly Blessing at Marriages, Churchings, and at other services of the Church: in fact, to exercise every sacred function which is not properly or exclusively Episcopal, that is, belonging to the Bishop. (See PRESBYTER, also ELDER.)
Primate.—The name given to a Metropolitan or Archbishop who is the presiding Bishop of a National Church.
Prime.—One of the seven CANONICAL HOURS (which see). {219}
Prisoners.—(See VISITATION OF PRISONERS.)
Private Baptism.—(See BAPTISM, PRIVATE.)
Proanaphora.—A more Churchly name for the introductory parts of the Communion Office, commonly called "Ante Communion." Properly speaking, the Proanaphoral service includes all that portion of the Communion service which precedes the Sursum Corda, "Lift up your hearts."
Pro-Cathedral.—A Parish Church used for Cathedral or Diocesan purposes, but without the formation of a legal Cathedral organization and without a Cathedral chapter.
Procession of the Holy Ghost.—The word "Procession" is used to express the relation in the Blessed Trinity between the Father and the Holy Ghost. As we believe that the Son is eternally begotten of the Father, so we believe that the Holy Ghost is a Person eternally proceeding from the Father, as set forth in the article of the Creed, "Who proceedeth from the Father and the Son." The words "and the Son" were added later, and the article is generally interpreted as meaning that the Holy Ghost emanates from the Father through the Son, and therefore proceeds from both; or as an ancient writer expressed it, "Always hath the Spirit proceeded from the Father and received of the Son." (See HOLY GHOST, also FILIOQUE.)
Processional Cross.—The standard Cross borne in front of a procession of Choir and Clergy as they enter or go out of the church. This method of entering the church is a very old custom and still prevails where the choir is vested. {220}
Proper Lessons.—The portions of Scripture from the Old and New Testaments appointed to be read on a Sunday or Holy Day at Morning and Evening Prayer. The word "Proper" as thus used is intended to indicate that the Lesson is appropriate to the Sunday or Holy Day and is to be read on that day instead of the Lesson appointed for the Daily Office. (See LECTIONARY, also LESSON.)
Proper Preface.—The Preface is that portion of the Communion Office, beginning with the words "Lift up your hearts," immediately preceding the TER SANCTUS (which see), and the Proper Preface contains the additional words set forth to emphasize the great Truths commemorated on certain High Festivals, namely, Christmas Day, Easter Day, Ascension Day, Whitsun Day and Trinity Sunday.
Proper Psalms.—Certain great days of the Church are so important in the truths they set forth, the Church hath thought good to order that all Holy Scriptures that can possibly be used in illustration thereof shall be read on those days. Thus in addition to the Proper Lessons there are also Proper Psalms, and the days for which they are appointed with the number of the Psalms to be read are to be found in the Table prefixed to the Psalter in the Prayer-book.
Protestant.—A name given to certain persons who protested against a law made by the Emperor Charles V and his Diet in 1529. The name is commonly applied to what are known as "Evangelical Denominations," as opposed to Romanism. But as so many Heretics, Atheists, Free-thinkers and Nothingarians are included under the name Protestant, the word is going {221} out of use among Church-people, having lost much of its proper meaning.
Protestant Episcopal.—(See AMERICAN CHURCH.)
Provinces.—The name given to certain grouping together of two or more Dioceses for the more convenient management of the work and legislation of the Church. The chief or presiding Bishop of the Province is generally the Bishop of the metropolis or chief city and therefore he is styled Metropolitan, and also Archbishop. In England the Church is divided into two Provinces, Canterbury and York. The Church in the United States is practically only one Province. But the growth and increase of the Church here have been so great, it is being found more and more necessary to seek a proper division into Provinces, and steps have already been taken to this end.
Psalter, The.—The name given to the Book of Psalms as set forth in the Prayer-book for use in Public Worship. The Psalms were originally set forth to be sung, not said, and this is the only proper way of rendering them in the Church's service. The colon to be found in each verse of the Psalter is put there to facilitate chanting them. The present method of reading the Psalter arose simply from lack of musical facilities in the early days of the Church in this country; and because this method still prevails in many places, the average Churchman thinks this is the proper way of rendering them. This is a mistake, and in many parishes this mistake has been corrected; the Psalter for the day being sung just as the detached Psalms, such as the Venite, Jubilate, etc., are sung. It is to be noted that the version of the Psalter {222} is not that of the Authorized Version of 1611, but that of the Great Bible of 1540. This was retained in the Prayer-book because the people had become familiar with it, and because it is more rhythmical and suited to chanting. The Psalter is divided into sixty portions to be used at Daily Morning and Evening Prayer and is thus designed to be read through once a month. (See DAILY PRAYER.)
Purification, The.—(See PRESENTATION OF CHRIST, also CANDLEMAS.)
Purificator.—The name given to a small linen napkin used for wiping the sacred vessels after a Celebration.
Q
Quadragesima.—Meaning fortieth; a name to be found in the Prayer-book for the First Sunday in Lent, because it occurs about forty days before Easter.
Quadrilateral.—The name commonly given to the summary of the declaration of the House of Bishops made in the General Convention held at Chicago in 1886, concerning the terms which they deemed to be a sufficient basis for the Reunion of Christendom, and which was reaffirmed by the Conference of Bishops of the Anglican Communion, held at Lambeth Palace, England, in July, 1888. This declaration is summarized under four heads as follows:
I. The Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, as "containing all things necessary to {223} salvation," and as being the rule and ultimate standard of faith.
2. The Apostles' Creed, as the Baptismal Symbol; and the Nicene Creed, as the sufficient statement of the Christian faith.
3. The two Sacraments ordained by Christ Himself—Baptism and the Supper of the Lord—ministered with unfailing use of Christ's words of Institution, and of the elements ordained by Him.
4. The Historic Episcopate, locally adapted in the methods of its administration to the varying needs of the nations and peoples called of God into the Unity of His Church.
Qualifications for Holy Orders.—These are stated in the Preface to the Ordinal set forth in the Prayer-book as follows: that the Candidate be of the age required by the Canon in that case provided; that he be a man of virtuous conversation and without crime; and, after examination and trial, found to be sufficiently instructed in the Holy Scripture and otherwise learned as the Canons require. (See EXAMINATION FOR HOLY ORDERS.)
Quick.—A word used in the Creed and elsewhere in the Prayer-book, being the old English word for the living as distinguished from the dead.
Quicunque Vult.—The name given to the Athanasian Creed, from the first Latin words with which it begins, and meaning "Whosoever will." The Athanasian Creed is not used in the American Church, but is found in the English Prayer-book and is required to be said on certain Festivals.
Quiet Day.—The name given to a day set apart {224} for special devotions, meditation and instruction for the members of a parish, or school or society. There is always a celebration of the Holy Eucharist, hours of prayer with a meditation or instruction given by the Priest, with times of silent prayer and intercession. Such days have been found to be very helpful in deepening the spiritual life, and are usually conducted by a Priest well experienced in such work, and who is specially invited for the purpose.
Quinquagesima.—The name given to the Sunday next before Lent, because it is the fiftieth day before Easter; Quinquagesima meaning fiftieth. (See SEPTUAGESIMA.)