English Dictionary

odour of sanctity

noun

(chiefly Christianity, especially Middle Ages) A sweet smell, usually likened to flowers, said to be emitted by the corpses, or even the living bodies, of saints.

The church was filled with the odour of sanctity during the holy ceremony.

意味（1）

(chiefly Christianity, especially Middle Ages) A sweet smell, usually likened to flowers, said to be emitted by the corpses, or even the living bodies, of saints.

Perhaps, too, the opinion that the relics of the holy dead were distinguished by a peculiar fragrance, may have arisen from embalmed bodies: at first, it might honestly have obtained among the Clergy; but when they saw how willingly it was received by the people, whenever a new mine of relics was opened, care was taken that the odour of sanctity should not be wanting.

意味（2）

(by extension, of people) A state of or reputation for holiness.

to die in odour of sanctity

意味（3）

(by extension) A general aura of holiness.

... Churches, easily attained to Saintſhip, which those of lower Rank, tho' perhaps much better and holier Persons, not having wherewithal to build them, could not do, but lived and died, without leaving the least Odour of Sanctity behind them.