Altar-Piece
/ˈɔːl.tər.piːs/noun
A work of art placed on or above an altar in a church.
Did you know?The term 'altar' comes from a word meaning 'to burn', linking it to ancient rituals involving offerings and sacrifices to deities.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
altare
“a raised structure for offering sacrifices”
Old French
Old French
autel
“an altar, a place for religious offerings”
Middle English
Middle English
altre
“a structure for worship or sacrifice, often ornate”
Modern English
English
altar-piece
“a decorative panel or painting placed on or above the altar, enhancing the sacred space”