sin eater en · NOUN
Meanings
-
(historical) A person (usually a man) who is supposed to take sins of a deceased person upon himself by eating a piece of bread or other food laid on or passed across the breast of the corpse.
A Loafe of bread was brought out, and delivered to the Sinne-eater over the corps.
1687, John Aubrey, Remaines of Gentilisme and Judaisme, page 35:
Forms
| Spelling | Features | Labels | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| sin eaters | Number=Plur | lexicographic | |
| sin-eater | alternative | lexicographic |