black mass: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

While historically there were accusations and rare instances, the modern 'black mass' is largely a theatrical or symbolic act performed by some Satanist groups, often based more on literary depictions than a continuous historical tradition.

Yes, but it is a strong metaphor. It describes an event that feels like a profane or evil inversion of something good or sacred (e.g., 'The corrupt trial was a black mass of justice'). Use with caution due to its potent religious connotations.

A 'Requiem Mass' is a legitimate Catholic Mass offered for the repose of the dead. A 'Black Mass' is a deliberately blasphemous parody and inversion of the Catholic Mass, not a recognized Catholic rite.

It is often capitalized ('Black Mass') when referring to the specific ritual concept, similar to 'the Mass'. However, lower-case ('black mass') is also frequently seen, especially in more general or metaphorical use.

A sacrilegious ceremony or parody of the Christian Mass, especially associated with Satanism or witchcraft, characterized by deliberate inversion of Catholic rituals.

Black mass is usually formal, literary, technical (in religious studies/occult contexts) in register.

Black mass: in British English it is pronounced /ˌblæk ˈmæs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌblæk ˈmæs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.