maundy money: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, historical, religious, cultural, numismatic.
Quick answer
What does “maundy money” mean?
A special set of coins minted annually and distributed by the British monarch to deserving senior citizens in a traditional ceremony on Maundy Thursday (the day before Good Friday).
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A special set of coins minted annually and distributed by the British monarch to deserving senior citizens in a traditional ceremony on Maundy Thursday (the day before Good Friday).
The tradition and the physical coins themselves, given as alms in a ceremony commemorating Jesus Christ's act of washing the disciples' feet. The sets typically consist of specially minted silver pennies, twopences, threepences, and fourpences, with the number of recipients and the face value of each coin matching the monarch's age.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is exclusively British in reference. Americans would likely only encounter it in historical, religious, or numismatic contexts.
Connotations
In the UK, it connotes tradition, monarchy, and Christian heritage. In the US, it is an obscure cultural reference with strong British and historical connotations.
Frequency
High frequency in relevant UK contexts (news around Easter, royal reporting, coin collecting). Extremely low to zero frequency in general American English.
Grammar
How to Use “maundy money” in a Sentence
The monarch distributes [maundy money] to [recipients].[Recipients] are presented with [maundy money].A set of [maundy money] consists of...The tradition of [maundy money] dates back...To collect [maundy money].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “maundy money” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The Maundy Money distribution was held at Westminster Abbey.
- He is a renowned Maundy Money collector.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Academic
Used in historical, theological, and numismatic papers discussing British royal traditions or Christian liturgical practices.
Everyday
Rare. Might be mentioned in UK news reports around Easter concerning the royal family's activities.
Technical
Used in numismatics (coin collecting) to describe a specific type of commemorative British coinage.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “maundy money”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “maundy money”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “maundy money”
- Using it as a countable noun (e.g., 'a maundy money'). It's typically non-count or used with 'set of'.
- Confusing it with regular coinage or spending money.
- Misspelling as 'Monday money'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, the coins are technically legal tender, but their numismatic (collector's) value far exceeds their face value, so they are never spent.
Traditionally, the same number of elderly men and women as the monarch's age, selected for their service to their community and church.
The sets given to recipients are not sold. However, the Royal Mint often sells brilliant uncirculated or proof versions of the coins to the public in limited numbers.
It derives from the Latin 'mandatum' (commandment), from the words spoken by Jesus at the Last Supper: 'A new commandment I give unto you.' This is commemorated on Maundy Thursday.
A special set of coins minted annually and distributed by the British monarch to deserving senior citizens in a traditional ceremony on Maundy Thursday (the day before Good Friday).
Maundy money is usually formal, historical, religious, cultural, numismatic. in register.
Maundy money: in British English it is pronounced /ˌmɔːndi ˈmʌni/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌmɔːndi ˈmʌni/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “As rare as maundy money”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Remember MAUNDY money by linking it to the COM-MAUND-ment (commandment) of Jesus to 'love one another,' which the foot-washing and alms-giving symbolize. It's money given on Maundy Thursday.
Conceptual Metaphor
TRADITION IS A PHYSICAL ARTEFACT (the coins embody centuries of ritual); CHARITY IS A ROYAL GIFT.
Practice
Quiz
What is 'maundy money'?