[of.fer.to.ry] n, pl -ries [ML offertorium, fr. LL offerre] (1539) 1 often cap a: the eucharistic offering of bread and wine to God before they are consecrated at Communion b: a verse from a Psalm said or sung at the beginning of the offertory
2. a: the period of collection and presentation of the offerings of the congregation at public worship b: a musical composition played or sung during an offertory