churchplate
nounUK /ˈtʃɜːtʃpleɪt/
US /ˈtʃɝːtʃpleɪt/
Churchplate is the special cups, plates, and bowls a church uses for its holy meals.
The old churchplate was kept locked in a safe cabinet.
OTHER MEANINGS
2. A metal collection plate passed around during a church service to gather money.
He dropped a coin into the churchplate as it went by.
3. A decorative plate or plaque mounted on a church wall, often in memory of someone.
A brass churchplate near the door listed the names of past vicars.
4. The collective silver and metal objects owned by a church and used in worship.
The parish insured its churchplate against theft.