SG Heritage Dictionary

Offertory [Noun] Webster's Dictionary 1828

1. The act of offering, or the thing offered. [Little used.]

2. offertory was properly an anthem chanted or a voluntary played on the organ during the offering and a part of the mass, in the Catholic church; but since the reformation it denotes certain sentences in the communion-office, read while the alms are collecting.

3. Anciently, the linen on which the offering was laid.

Offertory [Noun] Webster's Dictionary 1913

1. The act of offering, or the thing offered.

2. An anthem chanted, or a voluntary played on the organ, during the offering and first part of the Mass.

3. That part of the Mass which the priest reads before uncovering the chalice to offer up the elements for consecration.

4. The oblation of the elements.

5. The Scripture sentences said or sung during the collection of the offerings.

6. The offerings themselves.