maundy: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2 (Extremely Rare / Specialized)Formal, Ceremonial, Historical, Ecclesiastical
Quick answer
What does “maundy” mean?
The ceremonial washing of the feet of the poor, performed by the British monarch on Maundy Thursday, commemorating Jesus washing the disciples' feet.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The ceremonial washing of the feet of the poor, performed by the British monarch on Maundy Thursday, commemorating Jesus washing the disciples' feet.
Refers specifically to the royal almsgiving ceremony and associated coins (Maundy money) distributed by the British sovereign on the Thursday before Easter. Also used more broadly, though rarely, to denote a commandment or order, deriving from the Latin 'mandatum' (commandment), referencing Jesus' words 'A new commandment I give unto you' (John 13:34).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The word is actively used and recognized in UK contexts due to the ongoing royal ceremony. In American English, it is a highly obscure term, known primarily in academic, historical, or liturgical circles.
Connotations
UK: Strong connotations of monarchy, tradition, Easter, and historical continuity. US/General: Primarily a historical or religious reference without contemporary cultural resonance.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both varieties, but marginally higher in UK due to annual media coverage of the Royal Maundy service.
Grammar
How to Use “maundy” in a Sentence
The [Monarch] performed the Maundy.[Maundy money] is distributed to [number] elderly people.]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “maundy” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The Queen's Maundy was held at Westminster Abbey.
- He collects historic Maundy money.
American English
- The term 'maundy' originates from the Latin 'mandatum'.
- The Maundy ceremony is a unique British tradition.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in historical, theological, or numismatic (coin study) contexts.
Everyday
Extremely rare. A UK speaker might encounter it in news about the royal family around Easter.
Technical
Specific term in British constitutional history and numismatics.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “maundy”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “maundy”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “maundy”
- Misspelling as 'Monday Thursday'.
- Using it as a general synonym for 'charity'.
- Pronouncing it as /ˈmɑːndi/ in British English (should be /ˈmɔːndi/).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Rarely. Its primary contemporary use is for the British royal ceremony. The older meaning of 'commandment' is obsolete.
It derives from the Latin 'mandatum' (commandment), referring to Jesus' words 'A new commandment I give unto you' spoken on the day of the Last Supper, which is commemorated on Maundy Thursday.
No, in modern English it functions solely as a noun (e.g., 'the Maundy', 'Maundy coins').
Traditionally, the same number of elderly men and women as the monarch's years of age are chosen for their service to the church and community to receive the Maundy coins.
The ceremonial washing of the feet of the poor, performed by the British monarch on Maundy Thursday, commemorating Jesus washing the disciples' feet.
Maundy is usually formal, ceremonial, historical, ecclesiastical in register.
Maundy: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmɔːndi/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmɔːndi/ || /ˈmɑːndi/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “--”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
MAUNDY Thursday is the day of the MANDate (commandment) and the Monarch's ceremony.
Conceptual Metaphor
TRADITION IS A LIVING HISTORY (the ceremony physically re-enacts a biblical event, linking past and present).
Practice
Quiz
What is 'Maundy money'?