offertory Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun the offerings of the congregation at a religious service
  2. noun the part of the Eucharist when bread and wine are offered to God

WordNet

Of"fer*to*ry noun
Etymology
L. offertorium the place to which offerings were brought, in LL. offertory: cf.F. offertoire.
Wordforms
plural Offertories
Definitions
  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.

Webster 1913