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.]
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.
&fist; 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.
Hear it pronounced