Brewer's: Pax

The “kiss of peace.” Also a sacred utensil used when mass is celebrated by a high dignitary. It is sometimes a crucifix, sometimes a tablet, and sometimes a reliquary. The pax is omitted on Maundy Thursday, from horror at the kiss of Judas.

Source: Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, E. Cobham Brewer, 1894
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