Recent Examples on the WebThe limestone Gothic structure was built in phases, with the high altar, choir and western façade completed first.—Julia Binswanger, Smithsonian Magazine, 4 June 2024 While digging in the quire, a space at the cathedral’s center that houses its choir stalls, high altar and bishop’s throne, researchers unearthed the original foundations of a 12th-century altar, a medieval crypt and the empty tombs of two bishops.—Meilan Solly, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 Dec. 2023 Experts made the finds while excavating the cathedral’s quire, a space at the church’s center that houses its choir stalls, high altar and bishop’s throne.—Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 2 Aug. 2023 The foundations of Exeter’s high altar—the most important and usually largest altar in a church—were laid during the original construction 900 years ago.—Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 2 Aug. 2023 See all Example Sentences for high altar
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'high altar.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of high altar was
before the 12th century
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