credence table

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

Example Sentences

Other commissions recorded by Mariotti were the decorating of the doors of the palace, and the painting up of the arms of Pope Julius II., who three years after was to visit Perugia in state, and also the designing of a silver ship or nef, to be used as a credence table.

From Project Gutenberg

CREDENCE, or Credence Table, a small side-table, originally an article of furniture placed near the high table in royal or noble houses, at which the ceremony of the praegustatio, Italian credenziare, the “assay” or tasting of food and drink for poisons was performed by an official of the household, the praegustator or credentiarius as he was called in Medieval Latin.

From Project Gutenberg

It is, however, as an article of ecclesiastical furniture that the credence table is most familiar.

From Project Gutenberg

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 Project Gutenberg

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 Project Gutenberg