altar rail

noun

: 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 Restoration experts are also still repairing the altar rail and pulpit. Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 8 Sep. 2022 The bricks in the house walls, the flooring in the attic, the altar rail at the top of the kitchen stairs, and the windows in the outbuildings are all recycled from the church. David Buie, baltimoresun.com/maryland/carroll, 23 Oct. 2021 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, 9 Apr. 2018 Attendees kneel at an altar rail when receiving communion. Jonathan M. Pitts, baltimoresun.com, 14 Dec. 2017

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'altar rail.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1705, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of altar rail was in 1705

Dictionary Entries Near altar rail

Cite this Entry

“Altar rail.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/altar%20rail. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

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