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-eater

Related terms

• sin-eating / sin eating

Anagrams

• Teresian, Teresina, arenites, arsenite, resinate, stearine, trainees