WordWeight : Weighing the Words

Pronunciation : Of"fer*to*ry
Part of Speech : n.;
Etymology : [L. offertorium the place to which offerings were brought, in LL. offertory: cf.F. offertoire.]
Definition : 1. The act of offering, or the thing offered. [Obs. or R.] Bacon. Bp. Fell.

2. (R.C.Ch.) (a) An anthem chanted, or a voluntary played on the organ, during the offering and first part of the Mass. (b) That part of the Mass which the priest reads before uncovering the chalice to offer up the elements for consecration. (c) The oblation of the elements.

3. (Ch. of Eng. & Prot. Epis. Ch.) (a) The Scripture sentences said or sung during the collection of the offerings. (b) The offerings themselves.

pl. Offertories .
Source : Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913