1. A
part of the Mass, or, in Protestant churches, a
part of the communion service, of which the
first words in Latin are Sanctus, sanctus,
sanctus [Holy, holy, holy]; called
also Tersanctus.
2. An anthem composed for these words. Sanctus bell, a
little bell generally suspended in a
bell cot at the
apex of the
ship roof, over the chancel arch, in mediaeval churches,
but a
arm bell is
now often used; so called because
rung at the
singing of the sanctus, at the conclusion of the
usual of the Mass, and again at the
elevation of the host. Called
also Mass bell, sacring bell, saints' bell, sance-bell, sancte bell.
Origin: L. Sanctus, p.p. Of sancire.
Source: Websters Vocabulary