Dictionary entry

Censer

Webster's Dictionary 1913

Cen″ser (?), n. [For incenser, fr. OF. encensier, F. encensoir, fr. LL. incensarium, incensorium, fr. L. incensum incense. See Incense, and cf. Incensory.] A vessel for perfumes; esp. one in which incense is burned.

☞ The ecclesiastical censer is usually cup-shaped, has a cover pierced with holes, and is hung by chains. The censer bearer swings it to quicken the combustion.

Her thoughts are like the fume of frankincense

Which from a golden censer forth doth rise.

Spenser.