n. (also Sanctus) 1 the prayer or hymn beginning 'Holy, holy, holy' said or sung at the end of the Eucharistic preface. 2 the music for this. sanctus bell a handbell or the bell in the turret at the junction of the nave and the chancel, rung at the sanctus or at the elevation of the Eucharist.
[ ME f. L, = holy ]