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.
Phrases and idioms:
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.
Etymology: ME f. L, holy