antependium

noun

an·​te·​pen·​di·​um ˌan-ti-ˈpen-dē-əm How to pronounce antependium (audio)
plural antependiums or antependia ˌan-ti-ˈpen-dē-ə How to pronounce antependium (audio)
: a hanging for the front of an altar, pulpit, or lectern

Word History

Etymology

Medieval Latin, from Latin ante- + pendēre to hang — more at pendant

First Known Use

1594, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of antependium was in 1594

Dictionary Entries Near antependium

Cite this Entry

“Antependium.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/antependium. Accessed 17 Dec. 2024.

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