chrisom: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Archaic / ObsoleteHistorical, Ecclesiastical, Literary
Quick answer
What does “chrisom” mean?
A white cloth or robe put on a child at baptism, or a child that died within a month of baptism.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A white cloth or robe put on a child at baptism, or a child that died within a month of baptism.
Historically, refers to the white garment or chrism cloth used during baptism in Christian rites, particularly in medieval and early modern England. By extension, it came to mean an infant who died soon after baptism, before the chrisom cloth was removed, often used in parish registers.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No current usage difference; the term is obsolete in both. Historically, it was used in English parish records and literature.
Connotations
British historical context only; not part of American historical lexicon.
Frequency
Extremely rare in both, but slightly more likely to be encountered in British historical or genealogical texts.
Grammar
How to Use “chrisom” in a Sentence
The [noun] was wrapped in a chrisom.The parish register listed him as a chrisom.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “chrisom” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Not applicable.
American English
- Not applicable.
adverb
British English
- Not applicable.
American English
- Not applicable.
adjective
British English
- The chrisom child was buried in the churchyard.
- A chrisom veil was part of the rite.
American English
- Not applicable.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not applicable.
Academic
Used in historical, theological, or genealogical writing.
Everyday
Not used.
Technical
Used in archival descriptions of early modern parish records.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “chrisom”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “chrisom”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “chrisom”
- Misspelling as 'chrismom' or 'chrisson'.
- Using it to refer to any baby clothing.
- Assuming it is in current use.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, the term is archaic. Modern churches refer to 'baptismal garments' or 'christening gowns'.
'Chrism' refers to consecrated oil used in rites. 'Chrisom' refers specifically to the cloth or the child who wore it.
No, it would not be understood. It is only for historical or literary effect.
As an example of lexical obsolescence, where a word disappears as the cultural practice (specific recording of infant deaths) fades.
A white cloth or robe put on a child at baptism, or a child that died within a month of baptism.
Chrisom is usually historical, ecclesiastical, literary in register.
Chrisom: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkrɪz(ə)m/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkrɪzəm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Died in chrisom (died very soon after baptism).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'CHRISom' contains 'CHRIS' as in Christ – the cloth for a Christian baptism.
Conceptual Metaphor
PURITY IS WHITENESS (the white cloth); TRANSITION IS A GARMENT (the ritual clothing marking spiritual change).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary modern context for encountering the word 'chrisom'?