Im"pa*na"tion (?), n. [Cf. F. impanation. See Impanate, a.] Eccl.
Embodiment in bread; the supposed real presence and union of Christ's material body and blood with the substance of the elements of the eucharist without a change in their nature; -- distinguished from transubstantiation, which supposes a miraculous change of the substance of the elements. It is akin to consubstantiation.
© Webster 1913.