Obs. [ad. L. conspersiōn-em a sprinkling, strewing; also concr. paste, dough (Tertullian), n. of action f. conspergĕre: see prec.]
1. The action of sprinkling.
1572. Forrest, Theophilus, 1077 (in Anglia). He magnyfyed God … With tearys owt of his iyen conspersyon.
1637. Bp. Hall, Serm. Exeter, 24 Aug. The Church yard of it should require no other hallowing but by simple conspersion.
1649. Jer. Taylor, Gt. Exemp., II. vi. § 34. The Conspersion and washing the doorposts with the blood of a lamb.
2. concr. Dough, paste. [Cf. Vulg. 1 Cor. v. 7 ut sitis nova conspersio.]
1607. Bp. Andrewes, Serm., II. 220. That we … make ourselves of that conspersion whereof Christ is our firstfruits.
1651–3. Jer. Taylor, Serm. for Year (1678), 68. He must purge the old Leaven, and make us a new Conspersion.
