\Ter*sanc"tus\, n. [L. ter thrice + sanctus holy.]
(Eccl.)
An ancient ascription of praise (containing the word ``Holy''
-- in its Latin form, ``Sanctus'' -- thrice repeated), used
in the Mass of the Roman Catholic Church and before the
prayer of consecration in the communion service of the Church
of England and the Protestant Episcopal Church. Cf.
{Trisagion}.