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Stoup: meaning, definitions and examples

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stoup

 

[ stuːp ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

archaic usage

A stoup is a basin or receptacle for holding holy water, typically found at the entrance of a church. It is used for dipping fingers into the water to bless oneself before entering for worship. In some contexts, the term can also refer to a large container or vessel, especially for liquids. The use of stoups is most commonly associated with Roman Catholic and other Christian traditions.

Synonyms

basin, bowl, vessel

Examples of usage

  • She dipped her fingers in the stoup as she entered the church.
  • The stoup was adorned with intricate carvings.
  • He noticed the stoup was filled with fresh holy water.

Translations

Translations of the word "stoup" in other languages:

🇵🇹 bacia

🇮🇳 बर्तन

🇩🇪 Schüssel

🇮🇩 mangkuk

🇺🇦 миска

🇵🇱 miska

🇯🇵 ボウル

🇫🇷 bol

🇪🇸 tazón

🇹🇷 kase

🇰🇷 그릇

🇸🇦 وعاء

🇨🇿 miska

🇸🇰 miska

🇨🇳 碗

🇸🇮 skleda

🇮🇸 skál

🇰🇿 таба

🇬🇪 ფინჯანი

🇦🇿 dərin qab

🇲🇽 tazón

Etymology

The word 'stoup' originates from the Middle English term 'stoupen,' which means to dip or to immerse. It is derived from the Old Dutch word 'stoup,' which also denotes a vessel used for holding water. The usage of stoups can be traced back to medieval Europe, where they were commonly placed at the entrances of churches as a symbol of purification and the ritual of baptism. Over time, the term has evolved, yet it retains its significance within religious contexts, particularly in Catholicism. The architectural design of stoups varies, reflecting the artistic styles of different periods, but their core function remains the same.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #37,632, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.