retable

American  

[ri-tay-buhl, ree-tay-] / 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

See Examples For:

retable

The retable has two miracle reliefs, and between them a small bronze Christ, which has been put there in error.

From Donatello, by Lord Balcarres by David Lindsay, Earl of Crawford

Back of the Altar, and raised above it, is a narrow shelf, called the retable, upon which the several ornaments of the Altar are placed.

From The Worship of the Church and The Beauty of Holiness by J. A. (Jacob Asbury) Regester

The candlesticks, in churches where lights at the Holy Communion are used, stand at the ends of the retable.

From The Worship of the Church and The Beauty of Holiness by J. A. (Jacob Asbury) Regester

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 Edward Conybeare

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 C. H. B. (Charles Henry Bourne) Quennell

Random Word

Spin the wheel and learn a new word!

---

Related Words

• shrine

---