altar

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   A table or raised structure used for religious ceremonies.

   The couple stood at the altar to exchange their vows.

2. 2
   noun

   A raised place where offerings or sacrifices are made to a god.

   The ancient priests burned offerings on a stone altar.

Inherited from Middle English auter, inherited from Old English altar and borrowed from Old French auter, both derived from Latin altāre, probably related to adolere (“burn”); thus "burning place", influenced by altus (“high”). Displaced native Middle English wēved.

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