n. [ OE. alter, auter, autier, fr. L. altare, pl. altaria, altar, prob. fr. altus high: cf. OF. alter, autier, F. autel. Cf. Altitude. ] 1. A raised structure (as a square or oblong erection of stone or wood) on which sacrifices are offered or incense burned to a deity. [ 1913 Webster ]

Noah builded an altar unto the Lord. Gen. viii. 20. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. In the Christian church, a construction of stone, wood, or other material for the celebration of the Holy Eucharist; the communion table. [ 1913 Webster ]

☞ Altar is much used adjectively, or as the first part of a compound; as, altar bread or altar-bread. [ 1913 Webster ]

Altar cloth or
Altar-cloth, the cover for an altar in a Christian church, usually richly embroidered. --
Altar cushion, a cushion laid upon the altar in a Christian church to support the service book. --
Altar frontal. See Frontal. --
Altar rail, the railing in front of the altar or communion table. --
Altar screen, a wall or partition built behind an altar to protect it from approach in the rear. --
Altar tomb, a tomb resembling an altar in shape, etc. --
Family altar, place of family devotions. --
To lead (as a bride) to the altar, to marry; -- said of a woman. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ Cf. OF. auterage, autelage. ] 1. The offerings made upon the altar, or to a church. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. The profit which accrues to the priest, by reason of the altar, from the small tithes. Shipley. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. a boy who assists a priest at the clebration of the Holy Mass and other forms of public worship; -- also called acolyte. [ PJC ]

n. [ Cf. LL. altarista, F. altariste. ] (Old Law) (a) A chaplain. (b) A vicar of a church. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. The painting or piece of sculpture above and behind the altar; reredos. [ 1913 Webster ]

adv. In the proper position of an altar, that is, at the east of a church with its ends towards the north and south. Shipley. [ 1913 Webster ]