Definition

A decorative cloth or fabric that hangs in front of an altar, lectern, or pulpit, often used in religious settings.

Example

The church adorned its altar with a beautiful antependium for the holiday service.

Conversation

I saw a beautiful antependium at the church last Sunday.

Really? What did it look like?

It was bright blue with gold embroidery, very eye-catching.

That sounds lovely! I love when they decorate the altar like that.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Antependium is formed from "ante-" (meaning before or in front of) and "pendere" (meaning to hang). The word refers to a hanging cloth or decoration placed in front of an altar or a similar structure, thus literally meaning something that hangs in front.

Memory Tip

Think of something that hangs 'in front of' ('ante-') a place, like a decorative cloth in a church.

Visually Confused Words