A basin placed near a church entrance to hold holy water for the faithful, ranging from simple stone vessels to elaborate sculptural wall pieces.
A holy-water stoup is a basin placed near the entrance of a Catholic church so the faithful may bless themselves with holy water. It may be freestanding or wall-mounted and can be carved in stone, marble, bronze, or other materials.
Etymology
Stoup from Middle English and Old Norse words for a vessel or container.
Sculptor Notes
Because it is repeatedly touched, a stoup is sculpture under use. The rim, basin, wall attachment, drainage, splash pattern, and hand approach matter. Decorative relief should not create dirt traps or fragile projections at the point of contact.
References
https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/208203