an elevated place or structure, as a mound or platform, at which religious rites are performed or on which sacrifices are offered to gods, ancestors, etc.
(initial capital letter) Astronomy. the constellation Ara.
4.
(in a dry dock) a ledge for supporting the feet of shorings.
—Idiom
5.
lead to the altar, to marry: After a five-year courtship, he led her to the altar.
[Origin: bef. 1000; ME alter, altar (influenced by L), auter (< OF aut(i)er), OE alter (OE also altar; cf. MD outaer, OS, ON altari, OHG altāri) < L altāria (pl.), of disputed origin and formation, but prob. akin to L adolére to ritually burn, Umbrian uřetu let it burn]
in some Christian churches the table on which the bread and wine are consecrated during the celebration of communion Example: The bride and groom stood before the priest at the 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.]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.
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