altar \al"tar\, 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

   note: 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
see also:
altitude altar cloth altar-cloth altar cushion altar frontal frontal 
altar rail altar screen altar tomb family altar to lead as a bride to the altar