specifically, capitalized: the act of offering the eucharistic elements to God
2
: something offered in worship or devotion : a holy gift offered usually at an altar or shrine
Word History
Etymology
Middle English oblacioun, borrowed from Anglo-French & Late Latin; Anglo-French oblacion, borrowed from Late Latin oblātiōn-, oblātiō "offering, sacrifice, offering of the eucharistic elements," going back to Latin, "offering, tender, presentation," from oblā-, suppletive stem of offerre "to put in a person's path, provide, offer entry 1" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action — more at tolerate