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Webster 1913 Edition
Altar
Al′tar
,Noun.
[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.
☞ 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.
Webster 1828 Edition
Altar
AL'TAR
,Noun.
1.
A mount; a table or elevated place, on which sacrifices where anciently offered to some deity. Altars were originally made of turf, afterwards of stone, wood or horn; some were round, others square, others triangular. They differed also in height, but all faced the east. The principal altars of the Jews were, the altar of incense, of burnt-offerings, and of shewbread; all of shittim wood, and covered with gold or brass.2.
In modern churches, the communion table; and, figuratively, a church; a place of worship.3.
In scripture, Christ is called the altar of Christians, he being the atoning sacrifice for sin.We have an altar, whereof they have no right to eat, who serve tabernacles. Heb. 13.