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 rail".
He dropped on his knees at the altar rail, hands clenched together and looked up at Christ on the cross.
Duncan broke his trance with a shudder, slumped dejectedly against the altar rail.
He felt a little relieved at that-and even more relieved when he actually saw Jamyl standing near the altar rail, left of the aisle.
The altar rail described a broad half-circle with a gap in the center, like a pair of arms sweeping out to embrace the congregants.
The crib was set up at the altar rail, and he was back on the side altar steps.
Trembling, she bowed her head and folded her arms along the altar rail, the left arm underneath, and turned that palm upward, her open fingers inviting his contact but hidden from sight from the door behind them.
Then, as his senses told him the man had nearly reached the altar rail, he let the key slip from his fingers.
In the church, he'd been kneeling at the altar rail, reciting his daily prayers.
Pushing from the altar rail, the old priest stood and genuflected to the tabernacle.