Reredos

Part of speech: noun

Pronunciation: /ˈɹiə.dɒs/

Definitions

1. A richly embellished panel positioned behind an altar that serves to enhance religious settings through artistry and significance
2. A decorative backpiece located at the altar's rear, contributing to both the spiritual ambiance and visual splendor of worship spaces
3. A decorative structure placed behind an altar that serves to elevate the visual appeal and significance of a place of worship through artistic expression

Etymology: The word "reredos" is built from two French-derived parts that describe its position: "rere", meaning "rear", and "dos", meaning "back". The panel stands behind the altar, so the name literally means "behind the back" or "at the back." Its Middle English form came from Anglo-Norman, where the word appeared as "areredos", a spelling that shows the "a-" prefix attached to the older form. The piece of furniture it names is the decorated wall or screen at the back of an altar, often carved, painted, or set with images. The English word thus describes the location of the object rather than its ornament, so a plain wooden backing and an elaborate gilded screen share the same name.

Synonyms: altar screen, tabernacle