maundy
UK[ˈmɔːndi]US[ˈmɔːndi]
n
A ceremony of washing the feet of the poor, especially on the Thursday before Easter (Maundy Thursday)
n
Alms distributed in connection with the Maundy ceremony
Etymology
The word 'maundy' traces its origin to the Latin phrase 'mandātum novum' ("a new commandment") from the Vulgate Bible, specifically Jesus's words at the Last Supper: "Mandātum novum dō vōbīs" ("A new commandment I give to you"). This ceremony commemorates Jesus's act of washing his disciples' feet. Over time, the Old French 'mandé', referring to the ceremony or the commandment itself, was adopted into Middle English as 'maunde'. The term became specifically attached to the ritual of foot-washing and the associated almsgiving performed by sovereigns on the Thursday before Easter, solidifying its modern, specialized religious meaning.
Analysis
The word 'maundy' is a simplex loanword. It entered English from Old French 'mandé', which derived from the Latin 'mandātum', meaning "commandment". Its functional role is as a noun.
Examples
The Queen participated in the Royal Maundy service, distributing specially minted coins to elderly recipients.
Maundy Thursday is observed during Holy Week, preceding Good Friday.
The origins of the maundy ceremony are found in the biblical account of the Last Supper.