pedilavium

noun /pɛ.dɪˈleɪ.vɪ.əm/

1. The rite of foot-washing based on the act carried out by Jesus Christ on his disciples at the Last Supper. Depending on the church or denomination, it may be carried out at baptism, during Holy Communion, or as part of a Maundy Thursday service; maundy.

   Part of the church service on Maundy Thursday is the pedilavium.

2. A footbath carried out for therapeutic purposes; a pediluvium.

   obsolete

   In a Word, the Tea, Infuſion, Emulſion, and Syrup of the Seeds [of the poppy] are uſed in all ſevere internal Pains, […] And a Decoction of the Tops, Heads, Leaves, and Seeds in Baths, Pedilavia, Fomentations, Poultiſes, Ointments, &c. in all external Pains, and in Watchings, Cramps, and Stiffneſſes (if not from Cold, or cold Causes, &c.[).]

Where it comes from

Borrowed from Late Latin pedilavium (“footbath”), from Latin pedi- (“foot”) (from pēs (“foot”)) + lavāre (“to wash”) + -ium (suffix forming abstract nouns).

Adapted from the Wiktionary entry pedilavium (CC BY-SA 4.0).

← pediclepejorate →

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