altar rail

American  

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of altar rail

First recorded in 1855–60

Example Sentences

Restoration experts are also still repairing the altar rail and pulpit.

From Los Angeles Times

Here and there people rise from the pews to sit at the altar rail and remove their shoes and socks, to let a robed near-stranger pour water and rub their calluses.

From New York Times

On Sunday, he stood in a mass of sorrow at Emanuel’s altar rail hugging its senior pastor, the Rev. Eric S.C.

From Seattle Times

Kneeling upright at the altar rail before the statue of the Virgin Mary, Annie sleeps a good, unfeeling sleep.

From The New Yorker

At the strip club, the men lined up along the catwalk remind him, bleakly, of Communion-takers at the altar rail.

From New York Times