ALTAR

altar

(noun) a raised structure on which gifts or sacrifices to a god are made

altar, communion table, Lord's table

(noun) the table in Christian churches where communion is given

Source: WordNet® 3.1

Etymology

Noun

altar (plural altars)

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

(informal) A raised area around an altar in a church; the sanctuary.

(figurative) Anything that is worshipped or sacrificed to.

Anagrams

• artal, talar

Source: Wiktionary

Al"tar, n. Etym: [OE. alter, auter, autier, fr. L. altare, pl. altaria, altar, prob. fr. altus high: cf. OF. alter, autier, F. autel. Cf. Altitude.]

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.

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.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition