Altar-cloth

1 definition found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  Altar \Al"tar\, n. [OE. alter, auter, autier, fr. L. altare, pl.
     altaria, altar, prob. fr. altus high: cf. OF. alter, autier,
     F. autel. Cf. {Altitude}.]
     1. A raised structure (as a square or oblong erection of
        stone or wood) on which sacrifices are offered or incense
        burned to a deity.


        [1913 Webster]
  
              Noah builded an altar unto the Lord.  --Gen. viii.
                                                    20.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     2. In the Christian church, a construction of stone, wood, or
        other material for the celebration of the Holy Eucharist;
        the communion table.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     Note: Altar is much used adjectively, or as the first part of
           a compound; as, altar bread or altar-bread.
           [1913 Webster]
  
     {Altar cloth} or
  
     {Altar-cloth}, the cover for an altar in a Christian church,
        usually richly embroidered.
  
     {Altar cushion}, a cushion laid upon the altar in a Christian
        church to support the service book.
  
     {Altar frontal}. See {Frontal}.
  
     {Altar rail}, the railing in front of the altar or communion
        table.
  
     {Altar screen}, a wall or partition built behind an altar to
        protect it from approach in the rear.
  
     {Altar tomb}, a tomb resembling an altar in shape, etc.
  
     {Family altar}, place of family devotions.
  
     {To lead (as a bride) to the altar}, to marry; -- said of a
        woman.
        [1913 Webster]