Sanctus \Sanc"tus\, n. [L. sanctus, p. p. of sancire.]
   1. (Eccl.) A part of the Mass, or, in Protestant churches, a
      part of the communion service, of which the first words in
      Latin are Sanctus, sanctus, sanctus [Holy, holy, holy]; --
      called also {Tersanctus}.
      
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   2. (Mus.) An anthem composed for these words.
      
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   {Sanctus bell}, a small bell usually suspended in a bell cot
      at the apex of the nave roof, over the chancel arch, in
      mediaeval churches, but a hand bell is now often used; --
      so called because rung at the singing of the sanctus, at
      the conclusion of the ordinary of the Mass, and again at
      the elevation of the host. Called also {Mass bell},
      {sacring bell}, {saints bell}, {sance-bell}, {sancte  bell}.
      
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