altar rail

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of altar rail¹

First recorded in 1855–60

Example Sentences

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

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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.

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

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

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More amused than devout, they let themselves be led to the altar rail where Father Antonio Isabel made the sign of the cross in ashes on them.

Read more on Literature