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.
Usage examples of "altar frontal".
Ive brought with me the altar frontal Mother Mariana has been working on since she took to her bed.
And at the same time I realized how, that morning, first transported by prayer and then overcome with terror, I had failed to notice many things: the altar frontal and three other panels that flanked it were entirely of gold, and eventually the whole altar seemed of gold, from whatever direction I looked at it.
He had reached the third step, he sank to his knees with only the gentlest of manipulations, holding by the fringes of the altar frontal, and the cloth of gold that was draped under the reliquary.