chalice
UK[ˈtʃæl.ɪs]US[ˈtʃæl.ɪs]
n
a large, decorative cup, typically used for drinking wine, especially in religious ceremonies.
n
a cup-shaped container, especially one associated with symbolic or ceremonial use.
Etymology
the word 'chalice' entered english in the 13th century from old french 'chalice', which itself derived from latin 'calix', meaning 'cup' or 'goblet'. the latin term is believed to have originated from ancient greek 'kalyx' (κάλυξ), which primarily meant 'seed pod' or 'husk' but also came to denote a 'cup', likely due to the similar shape of a cup to a hollowed-out pod. this semantic shift from a natural container to a crafted drinking vessel illustrates a common metaphorical pathway in language evolution. the word's journey from greek to latin, through french, and into english solidified its association with ceremonial and religious contexts, particularly the eucharistic cup.
Analysis
the word 'chalice' is a simplex loanword from latin via old french. it does not contain separable, productive morphemes in modern english.
Examples
the priest carefully raised the golden chalice during the ceremony.
the ancient chalice was discovered in the ruins of the monastery.
the legend spoke of a magical chalice that could heal any wound.