What does sudarium mean?
A sudarium is a small cloth with both an everyday historical meaning and a precise modern liturgical one. In general English, especially in older writing, the word refers to a handkerchief or wiping cloth for the face, hands, or brow. In contemporary usage, it most often denotes a small linen or similarly fine cloth used by a priest during Roman Catholic ceremonies. The cloth may be held over the priest's hands and kissed at an appropriate point in the liturgy. The word comes from Latin and literally means “sweat cloth,” reflecting the older association between the object and the moisture it was used to wipe away. Although it can describe an ordinary cloth in historical contexts, “sudarium” remains particularly useful and distinctive when discussing Catholic worship, ceremonial practice, and the history of liturgical textiles.
A small cloth or veil used in Roman Catholic worship by a priest to cover and wipe the hands during certain rites.
"The priest kissed the sudarium during the service."
Chiefly a term for a liturgical cloth; in modern usage it is especially associated with Roman Catholic ceremony.
In older or general use, a handkerchief or cloth for wiping the face, hands, or brow.
"He offered her a clean sudarium after the dusty journey."
This sense is chiefly historical, literary, or regional rather than the dominant modern meaning.
The traditional plural follows the Latin form; “sudariums” is also possible in English but is less usual.
"The priest's hands were covered with two white sudaria."
The sudarium is a piece of liturgical cloth with a surprising history: its name literally means “sweat cloth,” an echo of its older use for wiping the face.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of sudarium
The English word comes from Latin sudarium, meaning “handkerchief” or “sweat cloth.” Latin sudarium is derived from sudare, “to sweat,” and belongs to the same root as sudor, “sweat.” Related forms include Latin sudoratorium, a sweating room or bath, and English words such as sudorific and sudoriferous.
Related word forms
How sudarium is actually used
Today, “sudarium” is chiefly associated with Roman Catholic liturgy and is more specialized than “handkerchief.” In older English, especially religious or historical writing, it can refer more generally to a cloth used for wiping the face or hands. It should not be confused with a communion veil, which is a different liturgical cloth.