ˈȯfə(r)ˌtōrē, ˈäf-, -tȯr-, -ri noun
( -es )
Etymology: Medieval Latin offertorium, from offertus (past participle of Late Latin offerre to offer) + Latin -orium -ory — more at offer
1. often capitalized
a. : a part of a eucharistic service in which bread and wine are offered to God before they are consecrated
b. : prayers said by the priest when making the offerings
2. often capitalized : an antiphon, anthem, or other musical selection sung or played during a liturgy or during a religious service in which an offering is received from the congregation
3.
a. : an offering received from the congregation in a Christian worship service during the playing or singing of the offertory
b. : a collection of money taken at a religious service