Pax vs. Pox — What's the Difference?

A small flat tablet adorned with a sacred image that worshipers kiss when offered the kiss of peace.

Any of several viral diseases producing a rash of pimples that become pus-filled and leave pockmarks on healing.

The kiss of peace.

A disease such as chickenpox or smallpox, characterized by purulent skin eruptions that may leave pockmarks.

Pax A time of wide-ranging stability when there is only a single dominant power. Used with a Latinized name

Syphilis.

(Christianity) A painted, stamped or carved tablet with a representation of Christ or the Virgin Mary, which was kissed by the priest during the Mass ("kiss of peace") and then passed to other officiating clergy and the congregation to be kissed. See also osculatory.

Misfortune or calamity.

Friendship; truce.

A disease characterized by purulent skin eruptions that may leave pockmarks.

(Christianity) The kiss of peace.

Syphilis.

(Christianity) A crucifix, a tablet with the image of Christ on the cross upon it, or a reliquary.

(figurative) A curse.

A passenger; passengers.

To infect with the pox, or syphilis.

A guest (at an event or function).

Strictly, a disease by pustules or eruptions of any kind, but chiefly or wholly restricted to three or four diseases, - the smallpox, the chicken pox, and the vaccine and the venereal diseases.

A restaurant guest, when counting. person.

To infect with the pox, or syphilis.

A cry for peace or truce in children's games.

A common venereal disease caused by the Treponema pallidum spirochete; symptoms change through progressive stages; can be congenital (transmitted through the placenta)

The kiss of peace; also, the embrace in the sanctuary now substituted for it at High Mass in Roman Catholic churches.

A contagious disease characterized by purulent skin eruptions that may leave pock marks

A tablet or board, on which is a representation of Christ, of the Virgin Mary, or of some saint and which, in the Mass, was kissed by the priest and then by the people, in mediæval times; an osculatory. It is still used in communities, confraternities, etc.

Friendship, or a friend; - esp. in the phrases to make pax with, to make friends with, to be good pax, to be good friends; also, truce; - used esp. interjectionally.

(Roman Catholic Church) a greeting signifying Christian love for those assisting at the Eucharist