Family altar

Family altar
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]


The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.

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Look at other dictionaries:

  • family altar — noun 1. : a place of family devotions 2. : the custom of family devotions * * * family altar The symbol or place of family worship • • • Main Entry: ↑altar …   Useful english dictionary

  • family altar —  Семейный алтарь …   Вестминстерский словарь теологических терминов

  • 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… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • Altar cloth — 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 …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • Altar cushion — 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 …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • Altar frontal — 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 …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • Altar rail — 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 …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • Altar screen — 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 …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • Altar tomb — 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 …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • Altar-cloth — 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 …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

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