[a. L. aspergēs, 2nd pers. sing. fut. ind. of aspergĕre (see ASPERGE v.), from the words Asperges me, Domine, hyssopo et mundabor, with which the priest begins mass. Cf. F. aspergès.] = prec.
1553–87. Foxe, A. & M., I. 658/2. With a little asperges of the Popes holy water.
1674. Du Moulin’s Papal Tyr., 36. A petty Clark carrying holy water with an Asperges.
1884. Addis & Arnold, Cath. Dict., Asperges, a name given to the sprinkling of the altar, clergy, and people with holy water at the beginning of High Mass by the celebrant.
