The Collaborative International Dictionary
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.]
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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. -
In the Christian church, a construction of stone, wood, or other material for the celebration of the Holy Eucharist; the communion table.
Note: 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.
Wiktionary
n. (context architecture English) An often richly decorated partition separating the nave from the chancel in a church.
Usage examples of "altar screen".
The deacon came out onto the raised space before the altar screen and, holding his thumb extended, drew his long hair from under his dalmatic and, making the sign of the cross on his breast, began in a loud and solemn voice to recite the words of the prayer….
He saw rebels carrying gold out of the church, and he guessed that they had ripped apart the ornate altar screen.
Crucifixes, candle holders and ewers graced the niches and shelves of the intricate altar screen on which painted panels depicted the torture and death of Christ.
The altar screen of wood extends from floor to ceiling and features painted scenes in the Spanish folk tradition of Christ flanked by armed angels, of Saint Francis and of Saint Dominick.
It seemed a pity to vandalize something so exquisite as this natural work of art - with the glow behind it, the barrier now reminded him of an altar screen he had once seen in some cathedral - but he would have to go back and get some explosives.