View synonyms for retable

retable

[ ri-tey-buhl, ree-tey- ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

a decorative structure raised above an altar at the back, often forming a frame for a picture, bas-relief, or the like, and sometimes including a shelf or shelves, as for ornaments.

retable

/ rɪˈteɪbəl /

an ornamental screenlike structure above and behind an altar, esp one used as a setting for a religious picture or carving

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Origin of retable¹

1815–25; < French, equivalent to Old French re ( re ) at the back (< Latin retrō ) + table table; compare Medieval Latin retrōtabulum

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Origin of retable¹

C19: from French, from Spanish retablo , from Latin retrō behind + tabula board; see rear ¹, table

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Thus in an old retable in Westminster Abbey, so painted, the painting has flaked off.

At the head of the left aisle is a chapel which also has an elaborate marble retable of the same period.

On the retable at the foot of the reredos, stand two massive candlesticks of silver gilt.

The lowered sill and recess probably formed a convenient retable to an altar against the wall.

In the ancient Abbey Church are two masterpieces, a retable in carved wood and a tomb ornamented with exquisite statuettes.

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