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 tomb".
Chapel to admire them, followed by the black marble altar tomb, assorted fan vaulting, and a monument with a particularly long and illegible inscription.
These misereres show the Seven Works of Mercy, and Tossie obediently went into the Girdlers Chapel to admire them, followed by the black marble altar tomb, assorted fan vaulting, and a monument with a particularly long and illegible inscription.
If so, then it is an impostor who rests today in the altar tomb in the Henry VII Chapel, while the pathetic remains of the true Edward VI lie somewhere in Greenwich Park.