antependium

[ an-tee-pen-dee-uhm ]

noun

, plural an·te·pen·di·a [an-tee-, pen, -dee-, uh].

1. the decoration of the front of an altar, as a covering of silk or a painted panel.

antependium

/ ˌæntɪˈpɛndɪəm /

noun

1. a covering hung over the front of an altar

Word History and Origins

Origin of antependium¹

From Medieval Latin, dating back to 1690–1700; ante-, pend, -ium

Word History and Origins

Origin of antependium¹

C17: from Medieval Latin, from Latin ante- + pendēre to hang