in Antiquity, a vessel of glass or earthenware bellying out like a jug, small-mouthed, and frequently covered with leather, used to contain unguents for the bath, perfumes, or any liquid. In reference to the swollen shape of the ampulla, Horace applies the word to inflated language or bombast.

among Ecclesiastical Writers, denotes one of the sacred vessels used at the altars. Ampullae were also used for holding the oil used in chrismation, consecration, coronation, &c. Among the ornaments of churches we find frequent mention made of ampuls or vials.

Knights of St AMPULLA belong to an order instituted by Clovis I., king of France. At the coronation they bear up the canopy under which the ampulla is carried in procession.