A chalice is a large cup or goblet, often made of precious metal like gold or silver, used for drinking wine during religious ceremonies. In Christian churches, the priest drinks from a chalice during communion. These cups are usually beautifully decorated because they're used for sacred purposes and treated with special reverence and care.

You'll often see chalices in museums, gleaming under lights, covered in jewels or intricate engravings. Medieval knights in stories sometimes quest for legendary chalices, like King Arthur's knights searching for the Holy Grail, which was said to be the chalice Jesus used at the Last Supper.

Outside of religious contexts, chalice can describe any fancy, ceremonial cup. A champion might lift a golden chalice in victory, or a fantasy story might feature a wizard drinking from an ancient chalice. The word suggests something more dignified than an ordinary cup: a vessel that matters, crafted with skill and used for important moments.