Holywater Stock

Holy-water Stock

(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 Isa 1:16; Isa 52:2; Ex 30:20; 2Co 7:1; Ps 51:2,7). — Walcott, Sac. Archaeology, p. 314 sq.