chalice

/ˈtʃæləs/

/ˈtʃælɪs/

Other forms: chalices

A chalice is a bowl-shaped drinking vessel. Chalices were all the rage back in King Arthur's day.

You won't come across the word chalice very often today (outside of books, anyway) unless you hang out at those Renaissance fairs where everyone dresses up as knights. The term "poisoned chalice" is good for describing something that looks beneficial, but is actually harmful.

Definitions of chalice

1. noun

   a bowl-shaped drinking vessel; especially the Eucharistic cup
   synonyms: goblet

   examples:

   Holy Grail

   (legend) chalice used by Christ at the Last Supper

   type of:

   cup

   a small open container usually used for drinking; usually has a handle