faldstool
Definitions
Century Dictionary and Cyclopedia
- n. (noun) Formerly, a folding chair similar to a camp-stool, especially one used as a seat of honor and an ensign of authority, probably having this character from the ease with which such a seat could be carried with an army on the march, and could be set up when required.
- n. (noun) A folding stool, provided with a cushion, on which worshipers kneel during certain acts of devotion; especially, such a stool placed at the south side of the altar, at which the kings or queens of England kneel at their coronation.
- n. (noun) A movable folding seat in a church or cathedral, used by a bishop or other prelate when officiating in his own church away from the throne, or in a church not under his jurisdiction.
- n. (noun) A small desk in cathedrals, churches, etc., at which the litany is enjoined to be sung or said.
‘Faldstool’ is a partial translation of the Medieval Latin, ‘faldistolium,’ folding stool.
Examples
“Ah, then she felt very solemnly that she was Queen; and moving softly to a chair placed between the Chair of Homage and the altar, she knelt down on the 'faldstool' before it, and meekly said her prayers.”
“This being done, the queen arises and goes to the faldstool, between king Edward's chair and the steps of the altar, where the groom of the stole to her majesty, and the ladies of the bedchamber, take off her circle or coronet.”
“Any man who really understands it does not see a Greek King sitting on an ivory throne, nor a feudal lord sitting on a faldstool but God in a primordial garden, granting the most gigantic of the joys of the children of men.”
