parament: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowFormal, Technical (Ecclesiastical/Historical)
Quick answer
What does “parament” mean?
A decorative hanging or covering for an altar, pulpit, or other church furniture, especially in liturgical contexts.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A decorative hanging or covering for an altar, pulpit, or other church furniture, especially in liturgical contexts.
Historically, any rich or elaborate ceremonial hanging or garment, particularly in ecclesiastical or royal settings.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. The term is equally rare and specialised in both varieties.
Connotations
Connotes historical or traditional church practice, craftsmanship in textiles, and formal religious ceremony.
Frequency
Extremely rare in both varieties, found primarily in ecclesiastical supply catalogues, historical texts, or detailed descriptions of church interiors.
Grammar
How to Use “parament” in a Sentence
[Verb] the parament (e.g., 'hang', 'embroider', 'clean')[Adjective] parament (e.g., 'liturgical', 'altar', 'seasonal')Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in historical, art historical, or theological papers discussing church art and liturgy.
Everyday
Not used.
Technical
Used in ecclesiastical supply, liturgical manuals, and conservation of religious textiles.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “parament”
- Misspelling as 'parramount' or 'parliament'.
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'to parament something').
- Applying it to non-ecclesiastical contexts (e.g., 'sofa parament').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a very rare and specialised term used almost exclusively in ecclesiastical or historical contexts.
Not in modern usage. Historically, it could refer to rich ceremonial robes, but today it almost always means a decorative cloth for church furniture.
They are often synonyms. 'Antependium' is more technical and specifically refers to the frontal hanging for an altar, while 'parament' can be a broader term for various church hangings.
In British English, it is /ˈparəmənt/ (PA-ruh-muhnt). In American English, it is /ˈpɛrəmənt/ (PEH-ruh-muhnt).
A decorative hanging or covering for an altar, pulpit, or other church furniture, especially in liturgical contexts.
Parament is usually formal, technical (ecclesiastical/historical) in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'PARAment' as a 'PARAphernalia' or 'PARAde' for the altar – a special decorative item for a special occasion.
Conceptual Metaphor
CLOTHING FOR SACRED SPACES (The altar is 'dressed' in a parament).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would you most likely encounter the word 'parament'?