Lexic.us

Definition of Altar

1. Noun. The table in Christian churches where communion is given.

2. Noun. A raised structure on which gifts or sacrifices to a god are made.

Definition of Altar

1. n. A raised structure (as a square or oblong erection of stone or wood) on which sacrifices are offered or incense burned to a deity.

Definition of Altar

1. Noun. A table or similar flat-topped structure used for religious rites. ¹

¹ Source: wiktionary.com

Definition of Altar

1. a raised structure used in worship [n -S]

Medical Definition of Altar

1. 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. "Noah builded an altar unto the Lord." (Gen. Viii. 20) 2. In the Christian church, a construction of stone, wood, or other material for the celebration of the Holy Eucharist; the communion table. Altar is much used adjectively, or as the first part of a compound; as, altar bread or altar-bread. 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. Origin: OE. Alter, auter, autier, fr. L. Altare, pl. Altaria, altar, prob. Fr. Altus high: cf. OF. Alter, autier, F. Autel. Cf. Altitude. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998)

Lexicographical Neighbors of Altar

alsoon alsoone alsterpaullone alstonerine alstonite alstroemeria alstroemerias alt-country alt-weeklies alt-weekly

alt key alt keys alt text altaite altanserin altar (current term) altar bell altar boy altar boys altar card

altar cards altar girl altar girls altar poem altar screen altar wine altar wines altarage altarages altarist

Literary usage of Altar

Below you will find example usage of this term as found in modern and/or classical literature:

1. A Dictionary of Architecture and Building, Biographical, Historical, and by Russell Sturgis (1901)
"other symbols, and set into a depression in the top of the altar. ... A email chamber or recess in the body of an altar or immediately below it ; used in ..."

2. Transactions by Ecclesiological Society, William Angus Knight, Wordsworth Society (1900)
"For, when a screen, however light it may be, is interposed between the high altar and the worshippers for whom it is intended, it at once becomes of much ..."

3. The Encyclopedia Americana: A Library of Universal Knowledge (1918)
"With the commencement of culture altar construction came into being, built of brick, stone, ... A separate altar was dedicated to each god of the Greeks, ..."

4. The History of the Reformation of the Church of England by Gilbert Burnet, Edward Nares (1843)
"and that the »ame shall be made by the con- on the altar, in token that hi« strength ami •ent of your People, as hath been accustomed. ..."

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