in the church of Rome, a cake of wax stamped with the figure of a lamb supporting the banner of the cross. These being consecrated by the pope with great solemnity, and distributed among the people, are supposed to have great virtues; as, to preserve those who carry them worthily, and with faith, from all manner of accidents; to expel evil spirits, &c. The name literally signifies Lamb of God; this being supposed an image or representation of the Lamb of God who took away the sins of the world. They cover it up with a piece of stuff cut in form of a heart, and carry it very devoutly in their processions.—The Romish priests and religious derive considerable pecuniary advantage from selling these Agnus Dei's to some, and presenting them to others. The pope provides a regular supply, by consecrating once in seven years: they are distributed by the master of the wardrobe, and received by the cardinals and other prelates, with great reverence, in their caps and mitres.—This ceremony they pretend to derive from an ancient custom of the church, wherein part of the paschal taper consecrated on Holy Thursday was distributed among the people to perfume their houses, fields, &c., in order to drive away devils, and to preserve them from storms and tempests. The Agnus Dei is forbidden to be brought into England under pain of incurring a premunire; 13 Eliz. cap. 2.

Agnus Dei is also a popular name for that part of the mass wherein the priest, striking his breast three times, rehearses, with a loud voice, a prayer beginning with the words Agnus Dei.—It is said to have been first brought into the missal by Pope Sergius I.

AGOGÉ, among ancient musicians, a species of modulation, wherein the notes proceed by continuous degrees.