Manger
Archimandrite Nikifor’s Biblical Encyclopedia
(Luke 2:7, 12, 16)—a feeding trough for animals. Mary laid the newborn Jesus in a manger because no place was available for them in the guest room, and the manger became the identifying sign given to the shepherds. The word names the trough itself, not necessarily an entire stall or fenced enclosure. Later tradition locates the Nativity in a cave or stable, but Luke’s text specifies only the manger and the unavailable lodging space.