PATERNOSTER Meaning and
Definition
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A paternoster is a term with multiple meanings, the primary of which refers to a type of Christian prayer known as the Lord's Prayer or the Our Father, frequently recited in liturgical settings such as church services. It derives from Latin, where "Pater noster" translates to "Our Father," signifying the opening words of the prayer. In this religious context, the paternoster is considered a sacred invocation of Jesus Christ, uttered by believers in an expression of devotion and reverence.
Moreover, paternoster also denotes a mechanical device, namely a type of elevator or lift system that was popular in the 19th and early 20th centuries. These elevator systems consist of a chain of small, open compartments that move in a continuous loop, allowing passengers to step in or out as their desired floor approaches. Unlike typical elevators, paternoster elevators lack doors, requiring passengers to hop on and off while the car remains in continuous motion. Owing to their unusual design and operation, paternoster lifts are now rare in modern buildings, predominantly found in historic or government structures.
Additionally, paternoster may refer to a pattern or sequence of events or objects that occurs repeatedly or cyclically, similar to the continuous motion of the elevator system. This usage of the term implies a repetitive and predictable series, often associated with routines, rituals, or familiar occurrences.
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The Lord's Prayer; a rosary; every tenth bead in the rosary.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for PATERNOSTER
Etymology of PATERNOSTER
The word "paternoster" has its roots in the Latin language. It comes from two Latin words: "pater", meaning "father", and "noster", meaning "our". The term "Paternoster" is actually a reference to the opening words of the Lord's Prayer (Pater noster, qui es in caelis) in Latin, which translates to "Our Father, who art in heaven". Over time, the word "paternoster" came to be associated with a type of prayer bead used for counting repetitions of the Lord's Prayer. Eventually, the term expanded to also refer to a type of medieval prayer wheel or a mechanical device used to recite the Lord's Prayer mechanically.
Similar spelling words for PATERNOSTER
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