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DictionarystoupHoly-water basin
noun

stoup

STOOP/stuːp/

A vessel holding liquid for use.

The stone stoup holds holy water beside the church entrance.

A small wall-mounted stone holy-water basin just inside a church entrance, with visible water and a simple cross carved above it.
Etymology
stoupOld Norsecup

A Scandinavian word such as Old Norse staup, “cup,” lies behind the older meaning “jug.” The church sense applies this liquid-container name to a basin for holy water.

More examples

  • The stone stoup holds holy water for visitors to the chapel.
  • He lifts a pewter stoup and takes a drink.
  • Two small stoups stand just inside the church entrance.

Forms

stoup · stoups

Similar words

basin
A broad, open container, not necessarily used for holy water.
tankard
A large drinking vessel with a handle, sometimes a lid.