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
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.
• 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
22 February 2025
(noun) the use of closed-class words instead of inflections: e.g., ‘the father of the bride’ instead of ‘the bride’s father’
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