antependium

noun

an·​te·​pen·​di·​um ˌan-ti-ˈpen-dē-əm How to pronounce antependium (audio)
plural antependiums or antependia ˌan-ti-ˈpen-dē-ə How to pronounce antependium (audio)
: a hanging for the front of an altar, pulpit, or lectern

Word History

Etymology

Medieval Latin, from Latin ante- + pendēre to hang — more at pendant

First Known Use

1594, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of antependium was in 1594

Rhymes for antependium

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Browse Nearby Words

antepast
antependium
antepenult
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Antependium.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/antependium. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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