Syn. — Sacrament, Eucharist. — Protestants apply the term sacrament to baptism and the Lord's Supper, especially the latter. The R. Cath. and Greek churches have five other sacraments, viz., confirmation, penance, holy orders, matrimony, and extreme unction. As sacrament denotes an oath or vow, the word has been applied by way of emphasis to the Lord's Supper, where the most sacred vows are renewed by the Christian in commemorating the death of his Redeemer. Eucharist denotes the giving of thanks; and this term also has been applied to the same ordinance, as expressing the grateful remembrance of Christ's sufferings and death. "Some receive the sacrament as a means to procure great graces and blessings; others as an eucharist and an office of thanksgiving for what they have received." Jer. Taylor.
SACRAMENT
Sac"ra*ment, v. t.
Defn: To bind by an oath. [Obs.] Laud.
SACRAMENTAL Sac`ra*men"tal, a. Etym: [L. sacramentalis: cf. F. sacramental, sacramentel.]
1. Of or pertaining to a sacrament or the sacraments; of the nature of a sacrament; sacredly or solemny binding; as, sacramental rites or elements.
2. Bound by a sacrament. The sacramental host of God's elect. Cowper.
SACRAMENTAL
Sac`ra*men"tal, n.
Defn: That which relates to a sacrament. Bp. Morton.
SACRAMENTALISM
Sac`ra*men"tal*ism, n.
Defn: The doctrine and use of sacraments; attashment of excessive importance to sacraments.