1. The act of offering, or the thing offered. [Obs. or R.] Bacon. Bp. Fell.
2. (R.C.Ch.) (a) An anthem chanted, or a voluntary played on the organ, during the offering and first part of the Mass. (b) That part of the Mass which the priest reads before uncovering the chalice to offer up the elements for consecration. (c) The oblation of the elements.
3. (Ch. of Eng. & Prot. Epis. Ch.) (a) The Scripture sentences said or sung during the collection of the offerings. (b) The offerings themselves.
OFFERTURE
Of"fer*ture, n. Etym: [LL. offertura an offering.]
Defn: Offer; proposal; overture. [Obs.]
More offertures and advantages to his crown. Milton.
OFFHAND
Off"hand`, a.
Defn: Instant; ready; extemporaneous; as, an offhand speech; offhand excuses. — adv.
Defn: In an offhand manner; as, he replied offhand.
OFFICE Of"fice, n. Etym: [F., fr. L. officium, for opificium; ops ability, wealth, holp + facere to do or make. See Opulent, Fact.]
1. That which a person does, either voluntarily or by appointment, for, or with reference to, others; customary duty, or a duty that arises from the relations of man to man; as, kind offices, pious offices. I would I could do a good office between you. Shak.