Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Sanctus
Sanc′tus
,Noun.
[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
. 2.
(Mus.)
An anthem composed for these words.
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
.