The term lavabo has a double meaning: it serves to indicate the rite of ablution of the priest's hands after the offertory in the Eucharistic celebration, and also indicates the "lavabo set”, consisting of a pitcher or ewer or container of water and a basin or a bowl, of medium size, for the washing of hands.

In GIRM  no. 145 we find: "the priest standing at the side of the altar washes his hands with the water poured by the minister, whispering: "Wash me, Lord, from all guilt, cleanse me from all sin". With this rite, which has become symbolic compared to the time when it was practiced also for hygienic reasons, the desire for inner purification is expressed.