reredos
|re-re-dos|
C2
🇺🇸
/ˈrɪərˌdoʊs/
🇬🇧
/ˈrɪəˌdɒs/
ornamental screen behind altar
Etymology
Etymology Information
'reredos' originates from Middle English, specifically the word 'reredos,' where 'rer-' meant 'back' and 'dos' meant 'back' in Old French.
Historical Evolution
'reredos' changed from the Old French word 'reredos' and eventually became the modern English word 'reredos'.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'a screen or partition,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'an ornamental screen behind an altar'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
an ornamental screen or partition wall behind an altar in a church.
The church's reredos was intricately carved and gilded.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/07/23 10:58