Antependiums are a type of decorative cloth that is used to cover the front of an altar or lectern in a church. They are often made of richly embroidered silk or velvet, and are used to add color and beauty to the sanctuary.
Definitions
An antependium is a decorative cloth that is hung in front of an altar or lectern in a church. It is usually made of silk or velvet, and is often embroidered with religious symbols or scenes. Antependiums are used to add color and beauty to the sanctuary, and to draw attention to the importance of the altar or lectern.
Origin
The word “antependium” comes from the Latin word “ante,” which means “before,” and “pendere,” which means “to hang.” The use of antependiums dates back to the Middle Ages, when they were used to decorate the altars in churches. Over time, antependiums became more elaborate and ornate, and were often made of expensive materials such as silk and gold thread.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, an antependium is “a decorative hanging for the front of an altar or lectern.”
The Oxford English Dictionary defines an antependium as “a decorative cloth or hanging placed on the front of an altar or lectern.”
Associations
Antependiums are often associated with religious ceremonies and worship. They are used to add beauty and reverence to the sanctuary, and to draw attention to the importance of the altar or lectern.
Synonyms
Synonyms for antependiums include altar cloth, altar frontal, and altar hanging.
Antonyms
There are no direct antonyms for antependiums, but some opposite words could be plain, unadorned, or undecorated.
The same root words
The root words of antependiums are “ante,” which means “before,” and “pendere,” which means “to hang.” Other words that share these root words include antebellum, which means “before the war,” and pendant, which means “something that hangs.”
Example Sentences
- The antependium on the altar was embroidered with gold thread.
- The church had a collection of antependiums, each one more beautiful than the last.
- The priest carefully draped the antependium over the lectern before beginning the service.
Antependiums are a beautiful and important part of many religious ceremonies. They add color and beauty to the sanctuary, and draw attention to the importance of the altar or lectern. Whether made of silk, velvet, or other materials, antependiums are a cherished tradition that has been passed down through generations.