Ŏf'fer-to-ry, n.

n. [Lat. offertorium, It. offertorio, Sp. ofertorio, Fr. offertoire.]

1. The act of offering, or the thing offered. [Obs. and rare.] Bacon. Fell.
2. (Rom. Cath. Church.) (a.) An anthem chanted, or a voluntary played on the organ, during the offering and first part of the mass. (b.) That part of the mass in which the priest prepares the elements for consecration.
3. (Church of Eng.) The verses of Scripture near the beginning of the communion-service, read while the alms are collecting. Hook.