Definitions
from The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition.
- noun A decorative screen or facing on the wall at the back of an altar.
- noun The back of an open hearth of a fireplace.
from The Century Dictionary.
- noun In architecture, the back of a fireplace, or of an open fire-hearth, as commonly used in domestic halls of medieval times and the Renaissance; the iron plate often forming the back of a fireplace in which andirons are used.
- noun A screen or a decorated part of the wall behind an altar in a church, especially when the altar does not stand free, but against the wall; an altarpiece. Compare
altarpiece and retable. - noun In medieval armor, same as
backpiece .
from the GNU version of the Collaborative International Dictionary of English.
- noun A screen or partition wall behind an altar.
- noun The back of a fireplace.
- noun The open hearth, upon which fires were lighted, immediately under the louver, in the center of ancient halls.
from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.
- noun a
screen or decoration behind thealtar in a church, usually depicting religious iconography or images.
from WordNet 3.0 Copyright 2006 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.
- noun a painted or carved screen placed above and behind an altar or communion table
Etymologies
from The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, 4th Edition
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Examples
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The covering for the reredos is the same as in the old photo.
The Lenten Array Fr Timothy Matkin 2006
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Behind the reredos are the chantries of Bishop Waynflete and of the great Cardinal
Wanderings in Wessex An Exploration of the Southern Realm from Itchen to Otter Edric Holmes
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The reredos is a magnificent erection, and renders the east end of this cathedral one of the most dignified in the kingdom.
The Cathedral Church of Peterborough A Description Of Its Fabric And A Brief History Of The Episcopal See W.D. Sweeting
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The reredos is the first example in modern cathedral work of the elaborate style of decoration for the most holy part of the sanctuary, which is now not uncommon.
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Beyond the space at the back of the reredos is the Early English Lady Chapel with an interesting series of wall paintings depicting the story of our Lady.
Wanderings in Wessex An Exploration of the Southern Realm from Itchen to Otter Edric Holmes
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The old screen has gone, and the reredos is a restoration; the original stalls were removed as early as
Bell's Cathedrals: The Cathedral Church of Winchester A Description of Its Fabric and a Brief History of the Episcopal See Philip Walsingham Sergeant 1912
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All of it is mentioned elsewhere in this book, and it is sufficient here to say that the erection of Sir G. Scott's choir-screen and the restoration of the reredos are the most noticeable "modern" features, though the latter was carried out on the old lines as nearly as was thought advisable.
Bell's Cathedrals: The Cathedral Church of Winchester A Description of Its Fabric and a Brief History of the Episcopal See Philip Walsingham Sergeant 1912
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At the back of the reredos is a brass to Mr. Bailey, M.P. for the county, whose bust formerly stood here, but was removed to a more fitting position in the county hall.
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The reredos is a representation of the four evangelists in mosaic work in four panels, enclosed in a Gothic canopy of marble.
The Kensington District The Fascination of London Walter Besant 1868
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When this structure is ornamented with panels and enriched with niches statues, buttresses, and other decorations, which are often painted with brilliant colours, it is called a "reredos".
The Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume 1: Aachen-Assize 1840-1916 1913
bilby commented on the word reredos
When one redo isn't enough.
January 16, 2024