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

Its chief distinction lies in its grand retable, which is decorated with a series of superb paintings by Mignard.

From The Cathedrals of Southern France by Mansfield, M. F. (Milburg Francisco)

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 Regester, J. A. (Jacob Asbury)

The retable was given by the Old Boys of the King's School.

From The Cathedral Church of Peterborough A Description Of Its Fabric And A Brief History Of The Episcopal See by Sweeting, W. D. (Walter Debenham)

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

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