Censer or Thurible

CENSER OR THURIBLE: The vessel in which incense is burned during divine service in the Eastern, Roman Catholic, and of late years many Anglican churches. The usual shape is that of a small metal bowl, with a base on which to stand it when not in use, and fitting over it a high conical cover in which are perforations to let the smoke out. The whole is carried by three chains, on which the cover slides up and down, when it is raised to allow incense to be thrown upon the live coals contained in the lower part. In connection with the censer another smaller vessel, called the incense boat, is used to carry the supply of incense; as its name implies, it is shaped like a small boat, but with a lid and a base on which to stand it.