lectern

[ lek-tern ]

noun

1. a reading desk in a church on which the Bible rests and from which the lessons are read during the church service.
2. a stand with a slanted top, used to hold a book, speech, manuscript, etc., at the proper height for a reader or speaker.

lectern

/ ˈlɛktən /

noun

1. a reading desk or support in a church
2. any similar desk or support

Word History and Origins

Origin of lectern¹

1275–1325; earlier lectron ( e ), late Middle English lectryn < Medieval Latin lēctrīnum, derivative of lēctrum lectern, equivalent to Latin leg ( ere ) to read + -trum instrumental suffix; replacing Middle English letroun, lettorne < Middle French letrun < Medieval Latin lēctrum, as above

Word History and Origins

Origin of lectern¹

C14: from Old French lettrun, from Late Latin lectrum, ultimately from legere to read

Example Sentences

In another photo pair, a crowd listens to a speaker at a lectern in a light-filled conference hall.

From The Daily Beast

“Guantanamo is not necessary to keep us safe,” he said, tapping at the lectern.

From The Daily Beast

When the court came to order, he approached a lectern and stood at attention.

From The Daily Beast

Vicki Jackson, a Harvard Law professor, rises to the lectern and begins her remarks.

From The Daily Beast

He was not projecting outward to a crowd like a professor at a lectern.

From The Daily Beast

The lectern, as the pulpit-stand in English churches is called, was fashioned of oak taken from Nelson's flagship, the Victory.

From Project Gutenberg

Parson John looked greyer than usual as he conducted the service and stood at the lectern to read the Lessons.

From Project Gutenberg

The fine wooden lectern of very late Gothic design has well-carved angels kneeling on the four supporting legs.

From Project Gutenberg

The lectern he had done his best to burnish; but it was still a cripple from the fire.

From Project Gutenberg

There was nothing but the saw for these, and Carlton had already sawn the lectern from its grave.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• rostrum