altar rail

Save This Word!

noun

the rail in front of an altar, separating the sanctuary from those parts of the church that are in front of it.

QUIZ

CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?

There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?

Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of altar rail

First recorded in 1855–60

Words nearby altar rail

altar card, altar cloth, altar girl, altar of repose, altarpiece, altar rail, altar stone, altazimuth, altazimuth coordinate system, altazimuth mount, altazimuth mounting

How to use altar rail in a sentence

The gray shadowy walls seemed turning round and round; Richard caught the altar-rail to stand steady.
God Wills It!|William Stearns Davis
When they stood at last on the base, she put her hand on his shoulder and looked across the brass altar rail.
The Jewels of Aptor|Samuel R. Delany
There was no attempt to save a spot for any earnest reality, except the poor little enclosure behind the altar rail.
Studies of Christianity|James Martineau
Besides the motionless figures at the altar-rail there was no one else in the chapel.
Great Possessions|Mrs. Wilfrid Ward

There is a splendid reredos of Caen stone and alabaster, and a peculiarly handsome altar-rail of vert antique and alabaster.
The Church Index|William Pepperell