in ecclesiastical writers, a name given by the Greeks to the consecrated bread, out of which the middle part, marked with the cross, wherein the consecration resides, being taken away by the priest, the remainder is distributed after mass to the poor. On the sides of the antidoron are impressed the words Jesus Christus vict. The word is formed from δοῦλον, donum, "a gift," as being given away loco muneris, or in charity. The antidoron is also called panis praesanctificatus. Some suppose the antidoron to be distributed in lieu of the sacrament, to such as were prevented from attending in person at the celebration; and thence derive the origin of the word, the eucharist being denominated donum, "gift," by way of eminence.