WordNet
n. (Roman Catholic Church) a greeting signifying Christian love for those assisting at the Eucharist [syn: pax]
Wikipedia
The kiss of peace is an ancient traditional Christian greeting. Also called "Holy kiss", "Brother kiss" among men, or "Sister kiss" among women. Some congregations do not perform inter-gender holy-kissing. It is not the Socialist fraternal kiss.
The practice remains a part of the worship in traditional churches, including the Roman Catholic Church, Eastern Catholic Churches, Eastern Orthodox churches, Oriental Orthodox churches; some liturgical mainline Protestant denominations; and Spiritual Christian Dukhizhizniki, where it is often called the kiss of peace, sign of peace, Holy kiss or simply peace or pax; It is practiced as a part of worship in many Anabaptist heritage groups including Old German Baptist Brethren, and Apostolic Christian.
Usage examples of "kiss of peace".
Then he rose and exchanged a kiss of peace with the man he had just sworn to obey and support with his life and his honor.
He leaned forward and kissed the old man gently on either cheek, the kiss of peace, and rose.
Strange that the first gift Sanglant offers to him, as they meet and clasp hands and give each other the kiss of peace, is a wine barrel.
Thereafter, Vikings considered the sight of it a signal that the kiss of peace and love should be given.
The grand inquisitor, hearing the circumstance, acknowledged to the bishop and heads of the clergy my intrepid behaviour in the hall of judgment: and not three hours after the ship had been hauled on shore, I was visited in my dungeon by the grand inquisitor, the bishop, and a long procession, my pardon requested, and the kiss of peace demanded and given.
Now was the heart of the Emperor truly moved and he put his hands over Huon's and took him as his liege man, raising him up to his feet and bestowing upon him the kiss of peace.