dictionary help1. The kiss of peace; also, the embrace in the sanctuary now substituted for it at High Mass in Roman Catholic churches.
2. A tablet or board, on which is a representation of Christ, of the Virgin Mary, or of some saint and which, in the Mass, was kissed by the priest and then by the people, in mediaeval times; an osculatory. It is still used in communities, confraternities, etc. "Kiss the pax, and be quiet like your neighbors." (Chapman)
Origin: L. Pax peace. See Peace.
(01 Mar 1998)
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