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

Note the piscina, three sedilia and credence table in chancel; also the finely carved font of Ancaster stone, on marble pillars, presented by the children of the parish.

From Hertfordshire by New, E. H. (Edmund Hort)

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

South of the Communion table, attached to the wall as a credence table, is an Early English capital, with piscina behind. 

From Records of Woodhall Spa and Neighbourhood Historical, Anecdotal, Physiographical, and Archaeological, with Other Matter by Walter, James Conway

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

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