encolpia

This, however, and the practice of wearing "encolpia", little pectoral crosses, lent itself to abuses when magical formulae began to be joined to Christian symbols, as was regularly the practice of the Gnostics.

The Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume 10: Mass Music-Newman 1840-1916 1913

Gregory of Tours in one place speaks of sixty chalices fifteen patens, twenty encolpia of pure gold, which King Childebert took as booty in the year 531 in a campaign against the Visigoths.

The Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume 10: Mass Music-Newman 1840-1916 1913

Other small encolpia in the form of crosses, belonging approximately to the same period, are also preserved.

The Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume 12: Philip II-Reuss 1840-1916 1913

It is certain, then, that the custom of displaying the Redeemer on the Cross began with the close of the sixth century, especially on encolpia, yet such examples of the crucifix are rare.

The Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume 4: Clandestinity-Diocesan Chancery 1840-1916 1913

Known under the names of encolpia and pectoral crosses they often served to enclose fragments of the True Cross; they were merely crosses worn on the breast out of devotion - "To wear upon the breast a cross, hung from the neck, with the Sacred Wood, or with relics of saints, which is what they call an encolpium" (Anastasius Bibliothecarius on Act. V of VIII Dec. Counc.).

The Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume 4: Clandestinity-Diocesan Chancery 1840-1916 1913

Such encolpia were probably at first worn by bishops not as insignia of rank, but as objects of devotion.

The Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume 4: Clandestinity-Diocesan Chancery 1840-1916 1913

To the category of encolpia belong also the vials or vessels of clay in which were preserved such esteemed relics as oil from the lamps that burned before the Holy Sepulchre and the golden keys with filings from St. Peter's chains, one of which was sent by St. Gregory the

The Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume 5: Diocese-Fathers of Mercy 1840-1916 1913

In 1571 two gold encolpia, square in form, were found in tombs of the ancient Vatican cemetery, engraved on one side with the monogram of Christ between the Alpha and Omega, and on the other with a dove.

The Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume 5: Diocese-Fathers of Mercy 1840-1916 1913