kielich
Kielich is a Polish term with several related senses. Broadly, it denotes a cup or goblet, often with a stem and base, used for drinking. In botanical contexts, kielich designates the calyx, the outer floral envelope formed by the sepals, which protects the developing bud and supports the flower.
The word derives from Latin calix “cup, goblet” and entered Polish in the medieval period, usually through
In Christianity, especially in Catholic, Orthodox, and some Protestant traditions, the kielich refers to the liturgical
The botanical use of kielich (calyx) is distinct from its ceremonial sense. The calyx is the part
Culturally, kielich can also appear in metaphorical or symbolic contexts, such as references to the Holy Grail