sin eater

See also: sin-eater

English

Noun

sin eater (plural sin eaters)

  1. (historical) A person (usually a man) who is supposed to take sins of a deceased person upon himself by eating a piece of bread laid on the breast of the corpse.
    • 1687, John Aubrey, Remaines of Gentilisme and Judaisme, page 35:
      A Loafe of bread was brought out, and delivered to the Sinne-eater over the corps.

Alternative forms
  • sin-eating / sin eating

Anagrams
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