Altar rail
the rail in front of an altar, separating the sanctuary from those parts of the church that are in front of it.
Historical Examples
The altar rail of the restored Santa Clara church was made from the beams of the old Mission.
The Old Franciscan Missions Of California George Wharton James
You intend to separate them at the church door—perhaps at the altar rail.
A Son of Hagar Sir Hall Caine
Near the pulpit there was more light falling upon the dejected figures of the penitents clinging to the altar rail.
A Circuit Rider’s Wife Corra Harris
Inside the altar rail stood a strange clergyman with his book open.
A Pair of Blue Eyes Thomas Hardy
Snake climbed over the altar rail, and then helped her over.
The Jewels of Aptor Samuel R. Delany
The procession reached the altar rail, and the coffin was put down.
Jennie Gerhardt Theodore Dreiser
From the altar rail to the middle of the aisle the church was crowded—in the free as well as in the paying parts.
Evelyn Innes George Moore
She was standing by the font staring at some one who kneeled at the altar rail.
Rewards and Fairies Rudyard Kipling
Margaret, feeling more and more sick and faint, held by the altar rail while they were talking.
Margaret Capel, v. 3 of 3 Ellen Wallace
We had a nice altar, with the legal ornaments, and an altar rail.
The Great War As I Saw It Frederick George Scott
Read Also:
- Altar server
(def 4).
- Altar stone
. Historical Examples Going in she would seat herself on the central or altar stone and give a little time to meditation—to the tuning of her mind. Dead Man’s Plack and an Old Thorn William Henry Hudson Must the ciborium containing particles to be consecrated, be placed not merely on the corporal, but also on […]
- Altar stand
. a lectern for a missal, especially one on an altar. Historical Examples On the altar stand the usual votive vessels, many of them strikingly elegant and tasteful. Trans-Himalaya, Vol. 1 (of 2) Sven Hedin And before the altar stand two pillars facing the rising sun, and thereon golden eagles of yet more ancient workmanship. […]
- Altar wine
. wine for use in a Eucharistic service. Historical Examples In their preparations the small acolytes had found the supply of altar wine somewhat short, so more was sent for. Heroic Spain Elizabeth Boyle O’Reilly
- Altarage
Ecclesiastical. offerings made upon an altar of a church. offerings made to a church. an honorarium paid to a priest for services at the altar from offerings and gifts. endowments for the saying of Masses for deceased persons, often at a particular altar. Historical Examples The Vicar of Rothwell, for the maintenance of himself and […]