paternoster

noun pa·ter·nos·ter \ˌpä-tər-ˈnäs-tər, ˈpa-tər-ˌ, ˈpä-ˌter-ˈ, -ˈnäs-ˌter\

Definition of PATERNOSTER

often capitalized : lord's prayer

: a word formula repeated as a prayer or magical charm

Middle English, from Old English, from Medieval Latin, from Latin pater noster our father, from the opening words

First Known Use: before 12th century

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