In Christianity (especially Roman Catholicism): Water that has been blessed, placed in a small basin (or stoup) near a church entrance so that worshipers may dip their fingers into this water as they enter the sanctuary, often marking themselves with the sign of the cross in remembrance of their baptism.
Blessed, purified water for use in ritual. Salt or an herb may be added to the water as part of its ritual purification process.
water that has been blessed by a priest for use in symbolic purification
Water that has been blessed by a member of the clergy. Holy water is said to have the ability negate negative forces.
Holy Water is one of the signs of new life, there can be no life without water. Holy water stoups are usually near the doors of the church and many people bless themselves with it as they come and go through the door.
Special water that has been blessed by a priest, bishop, etc. or a liturgical ceremony. It is used to bring a blessing to a person when applied.
water set apart for a religious purpose
Water blessed by a bishop or priest. See "stoup."
Water blessed by the Priest on the Day of Theophany and on other special occasions. Used to bless persons and things and to drive away evil spirits.
or Holy Oil A liquid which has been blessed by Divine spirit and consecrated for a specific use in a spiritual ceremony, ritual or event.
Water blessed by a bishop or priest for use in blessing the people, in the setting apart of objects for use in the church, or for other liturgical purposes. Holy Water is often used at the Burial of the Dead, at Weddings, and at other times at the discretion of the priest.
Water that is considered sacred. Different traditions have different kinds of holy water, such as that which has been blessed, or that which has been provided by Nature in a specific way.
In Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Old Catholic, Anglo-Catholic, and some other Churches, holy water is water which has been blessed by a priest, bishop, or deacon for the purpose of baptism.