credence table

British  

noun

1. a small sideboard, originally one at which food was tasted for poison before serving

2. Christianity a small table or ledge on which the bread, wine, etc, are placed before being consecrated in the Eucharist

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Example Sentences

It is, however, as an article of ecclesiastical furniture that the credence table is most familiar.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 7, Slice 6 "Coucy-le-Château" to "Crocodile" by Various

Vincent had in the meanwhile fetched the cruets from the credence table, and now presented them in turn, first the wine and then the water.

From Abbe Mouret's Transgression by Zola, Émile

The formal use of the credence table for the unconsecrated elements and the holy vessels before the celebration has been revived in the English Church.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 7, Slice 6 "Coucy-le-Château" to "Crocodile" by Various

In Elizabeth's time the communion table was moved into the middle of the chapel, and the credence table destroyed.

From History of the English People, Volume V Puritan England, 1603-1660 by Green, John Richard

The credence table, or shelf above the piscina, must not be confounded with the ambrie or locker, a small square and plain recess usually contained in the east or north wall, near the altar.

From The Principles of Gothic Ecclesiastical Architecture, Elucidated by Question and Answer, 4th ed. by Bloxam, Matthew Holbeche