Votive

A votive is an item that is always in prayer for a certain person or cause. Votive candles and incense are lit to recite this prayer until they burn out. Votive statues represent a person that can not attend their place of worship to pray and are to pray for them. They are typically custom made for the person they represent and resemble that person in a stance of prayer. Such statues were used in Mesopotamian temples, but are typically not used today.

Vo"tive (?), a. [L. votivus, fr. votum a vow: cf. F. votif. See Vow.]

Given by vow, or in fulfillment of a vow; consecrated by a vow; devoted; as, votive offerings; a votive tablet.

Keble.

We reached a votive stone, that bears the name Of Aloys Reding. Wordsworth.

Embellishments of flowers and votive garlands. Motley.

Votive medal, a medal struck in grateful commemoration of some auspicious event. -- Votive offering, an offering in fulfillment of a religious vow, as of one's person or property.

-- Vo"tive*ly, adv. -- Vo"tive*ness, n.

© Webster 1913.