A vessel suspended by chains, and used for burning incense at
solemn Mass, Vespers, Benediction, processions, and other
important offices of the Church. It is now commonly called a
thurible. In its prevailing shape the censer consists of a cup,
or bowl, which rests on a firm base and is provided with a
hollow movable pan for holding ignited charcoal, a lid or
covering, and four chains about three feet in length, three of
which unite the bowl to a circular disc, while the fourth is
used for raising the lid, to which one end is attached, the
other passing through a hole in the disc and terminating in a
small ring. To carry the censer the chains are grasped in the
hand just under the disc, care being taken to keep the base
elevated to a height of six or eight inches from the ground and
to swing it gently to and fro in order that the current of air
thus created may cause the fire to burn the fragrant gums or
incense which is placed on it whenever the censer is being used.
The censer played an important part in th