What does vernicle mean?
A vernicle is a small image or representation of the face of Jesus Christ, especially one associated with the veil of Saint Veronica. The term belongs chiefly to medieval and early modern religious culture, when devotional images of Christ's face were preserved in churches, treasuries, and reliquaries and were sometimes treated as objects of veneration. The word is uncommon in modern English and may sound literary, archaic, or specialized, but it remains useful when discussing historical art, sacred relics, or the tradition of the Holy Face. Its principal associations are with Saint Veronica, the veil she is said to have held, and the miraculous image believed to have appeared on that cloth. In current use, “vernicle” is more specific than a general portrait or icon because it points to an image of Christ connected with this particular tradition.
nounA small image or representation of the face of Christ, especially one associated with the veil of Saint Veronica. The word is chiefly used in historical and religious contexts.
- A representation of the face of Christ, especially one shown on a cloth or associated with the veil of Saint Veronica.
"The medieval reliquary displayed a vernicle believed to preserve the image of Christ's face."
"The church's treasury included a small silver vernicle set with jewels."
"She described the painting as a vernicle, an image of Christ's face traditionally linked with Saint Veronica."
The regular plural is vernicles, although the word itself is rare.
"Several small vernicles were displayed in the cathedral treasury."
A 'little Veronica': the word preserves the medieval tradition of devotional images associated with Saint Veronica's veil.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does vernicle come from?
The word comes through Middle English from Latin vernicula, a diminutive of Veronica. Veronica refers to the saint associated with the veil bearing the image of Christ's face, so vernicle originally denoted a small image connected with that veil. The term reflects the medieval tradition of making devotional copies and representations of the Holy Face.
How vernicle is actually used
Vernicle is a rare, somewhat literary or historical term, used mainly in discussions of medieval religious art, relics, and the tradition of the Holy Face.
Easily confused with vernicle
Veronica is the name of the saint associated with the veil that, according to tradition, preserved Christ's face, whereas a vernicle is the image itself.