A shelf behind the altar, for display of lights, vases of flowers, etc.
a ledge behind, or attached to, the high altar, where ornaments were placed.
or REREDOS The screen or decorative wall treatment behind a church's altar.
A shelf at the back of the altar (pronounced raytable); also called a gradine.
Rear part of an altar, often richly decorated, for instance with an altarpiece. In English the word is also used for the shelf behind the altar where liturgical objects are placed.
In a church, a decorative wall treatment or screen behind the altar; also called a reredos.
Sometimes referred to as Reredos, these sculpted structures form the back of altars.
In Christian church architecture: A shelf or ledge above the back of an altar; also an altar-piece, either painted or carved, and attached to the back of an altar.
An architectural screen or wall above and behind an altar, usually containing painting, sculpture, carving or other decorations.
A retable is a term of ecclesiastical art and ecclesiastical architecture, applied in modern English usage to an altar-ledge or shelf, raised slightly above the back of the altar or communion table, on which are placed the cross, ceremonial candlesticks and other ornaments. Retables may be lawfully used in the church of England.