altar rail

noun

Definition of altar rail

: a railing in front of an altar separating the chancel from the body of the church

Examples of altar rail in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Her late father, Frederick Harrison of Waterbury, was mentioned during the Mass. His picture and medals were displayed behind the altar rail as were photographs and other items about Father Conway. — Bill Leukhardt, Courant Community, "No Medal Possible For Waterbury's World War II Hero Priest," 9 Apr. 2018 Her late father, Frederick Harrison of Waterbury, was mentioned during the Mass. His picture and medals were displayed behind the altar rail as were photographs and other items about Father Conway. — Bill Leukhardt, Courant Community, "No Medal Possible For Waterbury's World War II Hero Priest," 9 Apr. 2018 Attendees kneel at an altar rail when receiving communion. — Jonathan M. Pitts, baltimoresun.com, "At St. Alphonsus Ligouri in Baltimore, believers find new inspiration in old Latin Mass," 14 Dec. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'altar rail.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about altar rail

Dictionary Entries near altar rail

altar of repose

Statistics for altar rail

Cite this Entry

“Altar rail.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/altar%20rail. Accessed 4 Mar. 2021.

Style: MLA

MLA

Chicago

APA

Merriam-Webster

Comments on altar rail

What made you want to look up altar rail? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

WORD OF THE DAY

smorgasbord

Listen to the pronunciation of smorgasbord

See Definitions and Examples »

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Test Your Vocabulary

February 2021 Words of the Day Quiz

Which is a synonym of perdure?

How Strong Is Your Vocabulary?

Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!

TAKE THE QUIZ

Anagram puzzles meet word search.

TAKE THE QUIZ