Lectionary . . .

It's a strange word; what is it?

Main Entry: lec·tion·ary
Pronunciation: 'lek-sh&-"ner-E
Function: noun
Inflected Form(s): plural -ar·ies
: a book or list of lections for the church year

Main Entry: lec·tion
Pronunciation: 'lek-sh&n
Function: noun
Etymology: Late Latin lection-, lectio, from Latin, act of reading -- more at LESSON
1 : a liturgical lesson for a particular day
2 [New Latin lection-, lectio, from Latin] : a variant reading of a text

http://www.m-w.com/ Merriam-Webster Online

A book containing portions of the Bible appointed to be read on particular days of the year. The word is also used for the list of such Scripture lessons. The early Christians adopted the Jewish custom of reading extracts from the Old Testament on the sabbath. They soon added extracts from the writings of the Apostles and Evangelists. http://www.britannica.com