Webster's definition is not strictly correct. The Sanctus is the prayer described below, while Tersanctus is correctly given as the Trisagion, which is more common in the Orthodox church, and is principally used on Good Friday in the Roman Catholic church, and seldom used in the Anglican church, although it does appear in the Book of Common Prayer.

Ter*sanc"tus (?), n. [L. ter thrice + sanctus holy.] Eccl.

An ancient ascription of praise (containing the word "Holy" -- in its Latin form, "Sanctus" -- thrice repeated), used in the Mass of the Roman Catholic Church and before the prayer of consecration in the communion service of the Church of England and the Protestant Episcopal Church. Cf. Trisagion.

 

© Webster 1913.

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