ADYTUM, Adytum, a secret or retired Place in the Pagan Temple where Oracles were given, and into which none but the Priests were admitted. See TEMPLE, ORACLE, etc. AE, or A, a Diphthong, or double Vowel, borrowed from the Greeks and Latins. See DIPHTHONG.
Authors are by no means agreed as to the Use of the AE.—Some, out of regard to Etymology, insist on its being retained in all Words, particularly Technical ones, borrowed from those Languages; while others, from a Consideration that it is no proper Diphthong in our Language, its Sound being no other than that of the simple e; contend that it ought to be entirely disused, except in Words which retain their Latin and Greek form in everything else.
Authors are by no means agreed as to the Use of the AE.—Some, out of regard to Etymology, insist on its being retained in all Words, particularly Technical ones, borrowed from those Languages; while others, from a Consideration that it is no proper Diphthong in our Language, its Sound being no other than that of the simple e; contend that it ought to be entirely disused, except in Words which retain their Latin and Greek form in everything else.
AGNUS DEI, a piece of consecrated paste, of great service in the Church of Rome.The name literally signifies Lamb of God; this being supposed an image or representation of the Lamb of God, etc. They cover it up with a piece of stuff, cut in form of a heart, and carry it very devoutly in their processions. The Roman Catholic priests, and religious, make a good penny by selling these Agnus Deis to some, and presenting them to others. The Pope consecrates fresh ones once in seven years, the distribution whereof belongs to the Master of the Wardrobe; and they are received by the Cardinals with a world of reverence, in their mitres. This ceremony they pretend to derive from an ancient custom of the Church, wherein part of the Paschal Taper, consecrated on Holy Thursday, was distributed among the people, to perfume their houses, fields, etc., in order to drive away devils and to free them from storms and tempests. See PASCHAL TAPER.The name Agnus Dei is also popularly given to that part of the Mass, wherein the priest, striking his breast three times, rehearses, with a loud voice, a prayer beginning with the words Agnus Dei.
AMBO, a kind of Pulpit, or Desk, anciently used in Churches, whereon the Priests and Deacons stood to read, or sing part of the Service; and preach to the People. See PULPIT. It was ascended by Steps; which occasioned that part of the Office performed there, to be called the Gradual. See GRADUAL. The Term is derived from αναβαίνω, I mount.—The Latins also called it Analogium; by reason they read there. The Ambo was mounted upon two Sides; and hence some derive the Appellation, from ambo, both. The Gospel was read at the Top of the Ambo; the Epistle a Step lower.
AMBROSIA, in the Heathen Theology, &c. a delicious kind of Food, whereon the Gods were supposed to feed. See FOOD. Lucian, rallying these poetical Gods, tells us, that Ambrosia and Nectar, of which one is the Meat, and the other the Drink of the Gods, were not so excellent as the Poets describe them; since they would leave them for Blood and Fat, which they come to suck from the Altars like Flies. The Word is compounded of the Privative Particle α, and βροτός, Mortal; in regard it rendered those who fed thereon immortal, or was the Food of the Immortals.
AMBROSIAN, in Church History.—We frequently read of the Ambrosian Rite, the Ambrosian Office, &c. denoting a particular Office, or Formula of Worship, used in the Church of Milan; which is sometimes also called the Ambrosian Church. See RITE, OFFICE, &c. We also meet with the Ambrosian Chant, or Song; which was distinguished from the Roman, in that it was stronger and higher.
The Term takes its rise from St. Ambrose, Archbishop of Milan in the IVth Century, who is usually supposed to have been the Author of this Office. Yet some are of Opinion, the Church of Milan had an Office different from that of the Church of the Roman, and other Churches of Italy, before the Time of that Father.
The Term takes its rise from St. Ambrose, Archbishop of Milan in the IVth Century, who is usually supposed to have been the Author of this Office. Yet some are of Opinion, the Church of Milan had an Office different from that of the Church of the Roman, and other Churches of Italy, before the Time of that Father.