Bible Encyclopedias
Holy-Water Stock

Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature

(i.e. pillar) or Stoup (1.e. bucket). A stationary stone basin (any porous substance which could suck it up was to be carefully avoided) for holy water, placed at the entrance of the house of worship, called by the French benitier. Pope Leo III erected one at Ostia. "The stoup is found in all periods of architecture, formed in the wall, set on a pillar, or in the porch, or standing on a pedestal." The vessel used by the Temple priests was a brazen laver (see Isaiah 1:16; Isaiah 52:2; Exodus 30:20; 2 Corinthians 7:1; Psalms 51:2; Psalms 51:7). — Walcott, Sac. Archaeology, p. 314 sq.