chalice

A chalice is a large drinking cup, typically with a stem and foot, designed to be held by the stem. The word comes from Latin calix “cup,” via Old French calice; its exact roots are linked to the broader family of terms for drinking vessels. In modern usage, chalice and goblet are sometimes used interchangeably, but chalice often implies a ceremonial purpose.

Most chalices are made of metal such as gold or silver, and may be gilded or decorated with enamel, gems, and religious symbols. They can range from simple to highly ornate, and many are considered liturgical objects. A chalice is frequently used with a paten, a small dish for the bread of a meal or sacrament, and may be accompanied by veils or burse for carrying and protection.

In Christian liturgy, the chalice holds wine that, during the Eucharist, is consecrated and believed by many denominations to become the Blood of Christ. Catholic and Orthodox churches typically emphasize the sacred character of the chalice, while other denominations use it in similar sacramental contexts. The chalice figure also appears in literature and tradition as the Holy Grail, a legendary vessel associated with quest narratives.

Outside religious use, chalices appear as ceremonial drinking vessels in museums, in ritual contexts, or as symbolic objects in art and literature. While the chalice denotes a formal, stemmed cup, its significance largely rests on the ceremonial or symbolic roles ascribed to it.