Fistulae

Webster's Dictionary

(pl.) of Fistula

Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature

pipes or reeds used in the administration of the wine in the Eucharist from the 8th. century to the 12th. The deacon held the cup in his own hand, a small reed or pipe was introduced into the wine, and the communicant drew up the wine into his mouth through this pipe. The object was to prevent the possibility of spilling any of the wine.