grail

/greɪl/

/greɪl/

Other forms: grails

A grail is some valuable thing you search for or pursue. A golfer's holy grail might be a hole in one.

While the object of any serious pursuit is commonly described as a "holy grail," many who use the term might not know its origin. The original Holy Grail is a valuable chalice, cup, or plate — often made of gold — that's sought in medieval and Arthurian legends. The influence of Christianity makes the grail "holy," originally because it was said to have been used at the Last Supper. Grail has a Medieval Latin root, gradalis, "flat dish."

Definitions of grail

1. noun

   the object of any prolonged endeavor
   type of:

   aim, object, objective, target

   the goal intended to be attained (and which is believed to be attainable)
2. noun

   (legend) chalice used by Christ at the Last Supper
   synonyms: Holy Grail, Sangraal

   example of:

   chalice, goblet

   a bowl-shaped drinking vessel; especially the Eucharistic cup