Ciborium

Ciborium (κιβώριον, a cup), a large chalice (a species of pyx, q.v.) or cup, often of gold or silver, with a cover, surmounted commonly by a cross. It is used to contain the host, or consecrated wafer, in the mass. The name ciborium was also given to a canopy on the altar, supported by four columns, to which the cup, in the shape of a dove, was attached by chains, containing the wafer for the communion of the sick.Wetzer u. Welte, Kirchen- Lexikon, 2:545.