Reredosses

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. Decorative screens or partitions situated behind the altar in a church ; structures serving as ornamental backdrops in ecclesiastical settings
2. Architectural features in religious buildings that rise behind the altar as a backdrop ; elaborately designed partitions providing visual focus in sanctuary areas
3. Ornamental constructions placed at the rear of an altar to enhance sacred spaces ; intricately crafted back screens within churches that frame the liturgical focal point

Etymology: The term "reredosses" is a plural form derived from the singular "reredos," a word that entered English usage around the late Middle Ages, roughly in the 15th century. Its origin lies in the combination of two Old French elements: "rere," meaning "behind" or "at the back," and "dos," meaning "back." Thus, the composite literally translates as "back behind," referring to a structure situated at the back of something else. Historically, this word came to denote an ornamental screen or decoration placed behind the altar in a church. These panels often featured intricate carvings, paintings, or reliefs depicting religious scenes, saints, or biblical narratives, serving both as a focal point during worship and as a didactic tool for the largely illiterate medieval congregation. The Old French "rere" itself is a variant of "arrière," meaning "behind," while "dos" traces back to the Latin "dorsum," meaning "back." The transition from Latin through Old French into English reflects the typical pathway of many ecclesiastical terms following the Norman Conquest, as the English church adopted numerous architectural and liturgical words from continental Europe. Over time, the singular "reredos" came to be used primarily in architectural and art historical contexts, while "reredosses" naturally emerged as its plural form, though it remains a relatively rare term outside specialist discussions. The word captures a very specific element of church design, anchoring the altar visually and symbolically within the sacred space. Interestingly, the word's literal components emphasize its spatial function—something positioned at the back—highlighting how the physical placement of architectural features often directly influenced the language used to describe them. This concrete spatial origin contrasts with many abstract or metaphorical developments in English vocabulary, grounding the term firmly in the material culture of medieval Christianity.

Synonyms: reredos