ejaculation a short, sudden prayer or exclamation.
rosary a series of prayers (usually said with rosary beads) consisting of 15 decades (a group of 10) of aves, each decade being preceded by a Paternoster and followed by a Gloria Patri. One of the mysteries or events in the life of Christ or the Virgin Mary is recalled at each decade.
the three theological virtues faith, hope, and charity.
Paraclete another name for the Holy Ghost.
twigging scraping a twig broom across a carpet.
foxpapered discolored by age or mildew.
Inter ubera mea commorabitur part of Song of Solomon (1:13), rendered in Latin. The entire verse reads: "My beloved is to me a bag of myrrh that lies between my breasts." Traditionally the image suggests Christ's precious relation to the Church.
dominicans a Catholic order founded by St. Dominic for the purpose of saving souls by preaching the gospel.
franciscans a Catholic order founded by St. Francis for the purpose of imitating Christ's life of asceticism, coupled with a deep love of nature. Today, the order is associated with learning.
a muff someone who’s awkward at sports; here, Stephen is using the term to describe his youthful naivete at Clongowes.
thurible a censer, where the incense is burned.
chasuble a sleeveless, outer garment worn by the priest who celebrates the mass.
paten the metal plate on which the bread is placed for the celebration of the Eucharist.
Ite, missa est words spoken at the end of the Mass, meaning "Go, the Mass is ended."
the sin of Simon Magus a magician who tried to persuade Peter and John to sell to him the power to confer the spirit of the Holy Ghost.
a novena a devotion consisting of prayers on nine consecutive days.
a stuff in the kisser a punch in the face.
