retable

American  

[ri-tey-buhl, ree-tey-] / rɪˈteɪ bəl, ˈriˌteɪ- /

noun

1. a decorative structure raised above an altar at the back, often forming a frame for a picture, bas-relief, or the like, and sometimes including a shelf or shelves, as for ornaments.

---

retable British  

/ rɪˈteɪbəl /

noun

1. an ornamental screenlike structure above and behind an altar, esp one used as a setting for a religious picture or carving

---

Etymology

Origin of retable

1815–25; < French, equivalent to Old French re ( re ) at the back (< Latin retrō ) + table table; compare Medieval Latin retrōtabulum

Example Sentences

In the ancient Abbey Church are two masterpieces, a retable in carved wood and a tomb ornamented with exquisite statuettes.

From East of Paris Sketches in the Gâtinais, Bourbonnais, and Champagne by Betham-Edwards, Matilda

Altar Lights.—Two candles in candlesticks placed on the retable of the Altar and lighted at the celebration of the Holy Eucharist; frequently called Eucharistic Lights.

From The American Church Dictionary and Cyclopedia by Miller, William James

An immense retable is placed at the head of the nave.

From The Cathedrals and Churches of the Rhine by Mansfield, M. F. (Milburg Francisco)

In the choir is a retable of gilded and painted wood, representing the life of St. Cr�pinien, a few tombs, and in the chapels some frescoes of the thirteenth century.

From The Cathedrals of Southern France by Mansfield, M. F. (Milburg Francisco)

At the head of the left aisle is a chapel which also has an elaborate marble retable of the same period.

From The Cathedrals and Churches of the Rhine by Mansfield, M. F. (Milburg Francisco)

Related Words

• shrine