Pyx

Pyx with Arabesques in Quatrofoil Frames, c. 13th century

A pyx or pix (Latin: pyxis, transliteration of Greek: πυξίς, boxwood receptacle, from πύξος, box tree) is a small round container used in the Catholic, Old Catholic, Lutheran and Anglican Churches to carry the Eucharist, to the sick or those who are otherwise unable to come to a church in order to receive Holy Communion.[1] The term can also be used in archaeology and art history to describe small, round lidded boxes designed for any purpose from antiquity or the Middle Ages, such as those used to hold coins for the Trial of the Pyx in England.

  1. ^ Maxwell, Lee A. (2007). The Altar Guild Manual - Lutheran Service Book Edition. Concordia Publishing House. p. 89.