altar rail

American  

noun

1. the rail in front of an altar, separating the sanctuary from those parts of the church that are in front of it.

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Etymology

Origin of altar rail

First recorded in 1855–60

Example Sentences

Restoration experts are also still repairing the altar rail and pulpit.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 8, 2022

Here and there people rise from the pews to sit at the altar rail and remove their shoes and socks, to let a robed near-stranger pour water and rub their calluses.

From New York Times • Mar. 12, 2019

Kneeling upright at the altar rail before the statue of the Virgin Mary, Annie sleeps a good, unfeeling sleep.

From The New Yorker • Oct. 1, 2018

Last week Mr. Kelso, the chief archaeologist at the site, hopped into the excavated pit topped with sandbags and pointed to where Pocahontas would have stood at the altar rail.

From New York Times • Nov. 14, 2011

When she should have stood up from the altar rail, though, he squeezed, almost courteously, as if he only meant to be holding her breath for her, and just for a moment.

From "Typical American" by Gish Jen