Definition of paternoster Paternoster

pat•er•nos•ter

We found 12 definitions of paternoster from 6 different sources.

What does paternoster mean?

Noun Plural: paternosters
paternoster - a type of lift having a chain of open compartments that move continually in an endless loop so that (agile) passengers can step on or off at each floor
		elevator, lift lifting device consisting of a platform or cage that is raised and lowered mechanically in a vertical shaft in order to move people from one floor to another in a building
paternoster - (Roman Catholic Church) the Lord's Prayer in Latin; translates as `our father'

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paternoster (Noun)
The Lord's prayer , especially in a Roman Catholic context.
paternoster (Noun)
A rosary; a string of beads used in counting the prayers said.
paternoster (Noun)
A slow, continuously moving lift or elevator consisting of a loop of open fronted cabins running the height of a building. The moving compartment is entered at one level and left when the desired level is reached. Found in some university libraries. Named after the string of prayer beads due to their similar ararngement.
paternoster (Noun)
A patent medicine . So named because the salesman would pray the Lord's prayer over it before selling it.

paternoster (n.)
The Lord's prayer, so called from the first two words of the Latin version.
paternoster (n.)
A beadlike ornament in moldings.
paternoster (n.)
A line with a row of hooks and bead/shaped sinkers.

paternoster
pā′tėr-nos-tėr, or pat-ėr-nos′tėr, n. the Lord's Prayer: every eleventh bead in a R.C. rosary, at which, in telling their beads, the Lord's Prayer is repeated: the whole rosary: anything made of objects strung together like a rosary, esp. a fishing-line with hooks at intervals: (archit.) an ornament shaped like beads, used in astragals, &c. [L. Pater noster, 'Our Father,' the first two words of the Lord's Prayer in Latin.]

A Paternoster is a type of elevator. Its design is different from that of other elevators. It has several cabins that constantly move up and down. They are linked on a chain. People can stop on or off at any floor they like.

Paternosters have advantages and disadvantages. As an advantage, it is always possible to take them in either direction. Since the elevator moves at a slow speed, it is slower than a modern elevator. It takes longer to get to distant floors. Also, using a paternoaster takes some training. Paternosters are nearly impossible to use for disabled people.