MASS Mass, n. Etym: [OE. masse, messe, AS. mæsse. LL. missa, from L. mittere, missum, to send, dismiss: cf. F. messe. In the ancient churches, the public services at which the catechumens were permitted to be present were called missa catechumenorum, ending with the reading of the Gospel. Then they were dismissed with these words : "Ite, missa est" [sc. ecclesia], the congregation is dismissed. After that the sacrifice proper began. At its close the same words were said to those who remained. So the word gave the name of Mass to the sacrifice in the Catholic Church. See Missile, and cf. Christmas, Lammas, Mess a dish, Missal.]
1. (R. C. Ch.)
Defn: The sacrifice in the sacrament of the Eucharist, or the consecration and oblation of the host.
2. (Mus.)
Defn: The portions of the Mass usually set to music, considered as a
musical composition; — namely, the Kyrie, the Gloria, the Credo, the
Sanctus, and the Agnus Dei, besides sometimes an Offertory and the
Benedictus. Canon of the Mass. See Canon.
— High Mass, Mass with incense, music, the assistance of a deacon,
subdeacon, etc.
— Low Mass, Mass which is said by the priest through-out, without
music.
— Mass bell, the sanctus bell. See Sanctus.
— Mass book, the missal or Roman Catholic service book.
MASS
Mass, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Massed; p. pr. & vb. n. Massing.]
Defn: To celebrate Mass. [Obs.] Hooker.
MASS
Mass, n. Etym: [OE. masse, F. masse, L. massa; akin to Gr. Macerate.]
1. A quantity of matter cohering together so as to make one body, or an aggregation of particles or things which collectively make one body or quantity, usually of considerable size; as, a mass of ore, metal, sand, or water. If it were not for these principles, the bodies of the earth, planets, comets, sun, and all things in them, would grow cold and freeze, and become inactive masses. Sir I. Newton. A deep mass of continual sea is slower stirred To rage. Savile.
2. (Phar.)