| 1. | a blasphemous ceremony mocking the Christian Mass, esp. one by an alleged worshiper of Satan. |
| 2. | a Requiem Mass. |
| black mass n.
|
black mass
in the Roman Catholic church, a requiem mass during which the celebrant wears black vestments. The term is more commonly used, however, for a blasphemous and usually obscene burlesque of the true mass performed by satanic cults. The naked back of a woman often serves as an altar, and a validly consecrated host is generally used to intensify the mockery. The rite commonly incorporates other elements of satanic magic such as philtres or abortifacients.
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