Definition of "oblate" in English

noun

1. (Roman Catholicism) A person dedicated to a life of religion or monasticism, especially a member of an order without religious vows or a lay member of a religious community.

2. A child given up by its parents into the keeping or dedication of a religious order or house.

   • 2007, The Venerable Bede started as an oblate at St Paul's, Jarrow, but by the time of his death in 735 was surely the most learned man in Europe. — Tom Shippey, ‘I Lerne Song’, London Review of Books 29:4, p. 19

adjective

1. (chiefly capitalized) Designating a person who is an oblate, of or belonging to an order of oblates.

   • an Oblate Father

adjective

1. Flattened or depressed at the poles.

   • The Earth is an oblate spheroid.

verb

1. (rare) To offer as either a gift or an oblation.