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

In some churches there is a separate credence table.

From English Villages by Ditchfield, P. H. (Peter Hampson)

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

When the pope celebrates Mass a special credence table on the Gospel side of the altar is used, and the ceremony of tasting for poison in the unconsecrated elements is still observed.

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

At the east end are traces of an altar and credence table, and close by is a piscina.

From Bell's Cathedrals: The Cathedral Church of Winchester A Description of Its Fabric and a Brief History of the Episcopal See by Sergeant, Philip Walsingham

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