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Oblation

Something offered, or the act of offering it, especially to a deity or to charity. When capitalized, it refers to the offering of the bread and wine of the Eucharist in Christian worship.

[From Latin oblatus, past participle of offerre, to offer.]

The worshippers presented their oblations at the altar.

I like the way this word subliminally suggests "obligation".

It is also used in hierarchical denominations for
"lay" people who associate themselves to a religious
order or community. The OSB: Order of St. Benedict,
call these laity by the term "Oblates".

Oblate is also an adjective, relating to a sphere, meaning "flattened at the poles". The Earth, for example, is slightly oblate.

The opposite is prolate, stretched at the poles.

"Oblution" and "ablution" ring like sympathetic bells on the same frequency of sound and religious meaning. Ablution, of course, refers to ritual purification. I always think of Keats'
sonnet "Bright Star" with its fabulous line," Of pure ablution round earth's human shores..."

"Oblution" and "ablution" ring like sympathetic bells on the same frequency of sound and religious meaning. Ablution, of course, refers to ritual purification. I always think of Keats'
sonnet "Bright Star" with its fabulous line," Of pure ablution round earth's human shores..."

I had not thought of that line in years. Thanks for the
reminder.