antimensions
|an-ti-men-sions|
/ˌæn.tiˈmɛn.ʃənz/
(antimension)
substitute altar cloth
Etymology
'antimensions' originates from Medieval Latin, specifically the word 'antimensionem', where 'anti-' meant 'in place of' and Latin 'mensa' meant 'table'.
'antimension' changed from Medieval Latin 'antimensionem' (and via ecclesiastical usage) into the modern English form 'antimension' and its plural 'antimensions'.
Initially it referred more broadly to a substitute 'in place of the table' (the altar); over time it came to denote the specific consecrated cloth used in that role.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a consecrated cloth (often containing relics) placed on an altar in Eastern Orthodox and some Eastern Catholic churches; used as a portable substitute for the altar when a bishop is not present.
The parish kept several antimensions in the sacristy for use when a bishop could not attend the liturgy.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/11/05 02:14