altar rail

noun

: a railing in front of an altar separating the chancel from the body of the church

Examples of altar rail in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Restoration experts are also still repairing the altar rail and pulpit. Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 8 Sep. 2022 The bricks in the house walls, the flooring in the attic, the altar rail at the top of the kitchen stairs, and the windows in the outbuildings are all recycled from the church. David Buie, baltimoresun.com/maryland/carroll, 23 Oct. 2021 Her late father, Frederick Harrison of Waterbury, was mentioned during the Mass. His picture and medals were displayed behind the altar rail as were photographs and other items about Father Conway. Bill Leukhardt, Courant Community, 9 Apr. 2018 Attendees kneel at an altar rail when receiving communion. Jonathan M. Pitts, baltimoresun.com, 14 Dec. 2017

Word History

First Known Use

1705, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of altar rail was in 1705

Dictionary Entries Near altar rail

Cite this Entry

“Altar rail.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/altar%20rail. Accessed 15 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!