Main Entry:

lec·tern

Pronunciation:

\ˈlek-tərn\

Function:

noun

Etymology:

Middle English lettorne, from Anglo-French leitrun, from Medieval Latin lectrinum, from Late Latin lectrum, from Latin legere to read — more at legend

Date:

14th century

: a stand used to support a book or script in a convenient position for a standing reader or speaker ; especially : one from which scripture lessons are read in a church service