antependium

noun

: a hanging for the front of an altar, pulpit, or lectern

Word History

Etymology

Medieval Latin, from Latin ante- + pendēre to hang — more at pendant entry 1

First Known Use

1594, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of antependium was in 1594

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Antependium.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/antependium. Accessed 25 Aug. 2026.

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