Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

lachrymatories

Noun

/ˌlakrəˈmætəˌriz/

Definition

Lachrymatories are small vessels or containers used to collect or hold tears, historically believed to have been used in mourning rituals.

Examples

The ancient Greeks sometimes used lachrymatories during funerals to catch tears shed in mourning.
In a museum, you can find various styles of lachrymatories made from glass and clay.
She kept the small lachrymatory on her dresser as a reminder of her late grandmother.

Meaning

The term ‘lachrymatory’ derives from the Latin word ‘lacrima,’ which means ‘tear.’ It typically refers to objects associated with tears or the act of crying.