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.

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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

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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

On the retable at the foot of the reredos, stand two massive candlesticks of silver gilt.

From Highways and Byways in Cambridge and Ely by Conybeare, Edward

Fortunately, a superb retable in five panels, representing scenes in the Passion of our Lord was discovered by Professor Willis in 1847, and is now preserved in the aisle outside the Jesus Chapel.

From Bell's Cathedrals: The Cathedral Church of Norwich A Description of Its Fabric and A Brief History of the Episcopal See by Quennell, C. H. B. (Charles Henry Bourne)

A flight of veined marble steps leads to the beautiful retable of the high altar.

From Castilian Days by Hay, John

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)

The lowered sill and recess probably formed a convenient retable to an altar against the wall.

From The Churches of Coventry A Short History of the City & Its Medieval Remains by Woodhouse, Frederick W.

Related Words

• shrine