Almaire

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. An archaic term for a cupboard or recess set into a wall, especially one in a church used to hold sacred vessels and books
2. A dated word for a storage cabinet or niche, often built into the wall of a church to keep liturgical objects
3. A medieval cupboard or wall recess, most often found in a church, where vessels and other sacred items were kept

Etymology: Almaire is a Middle English word for a cupboard or recess set into a church wall, usually near the altar, where liturgical vessels, books and vestments were kept. It was borrowed from Old French "armaire", which came from Latin "armarium", a chest or cupboard for keeping arms, tools or valuables. The Latin word itself derives from "arma", meaning weapons or equipment, so the original sense was closer to a storeroom for gear than to a piece of household furniture. The English form kept the Old French shape, with the initial "a" that later disappeared from many related words. Its close relative "armoire", the freestanding wardrobe, followed the same path from Latin but developed into a larger piece of furniture, while "almaire" stayed attached to the stone or wooden niche in the church.

Synonyms: almery, ambry, cupboard, cabinet