noun
chaplet
A string of beads used to count devotional prayers.
She moves her fingers along the chaplet as she counts her prayers.
Etymology
The older word names a small wreath or garland. The circular string of prayer beads took the same name through its resemblance to such a ring.
More examples
- The wooden chaplet rests beside her prayer book.
- They recite a chaplet together each evening.
- He gives her a small chaplet made of blue beads.
Forms
chaplet · chaplets
Similar words
- rosary
- A rosary is a particular prayer cycle and bead arrangement; chaplet can name other devotional sets.