Definitions
from The Century Dictionary.
- noun Same as
altar-rail .
Etymologies
Sorry, no etymologies found.
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Examples
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She holds down her head when the parson reads out, “Thou shalt do no murder,” from the communion-rail, and fancies he must be looking at her.
The Virginians 2006
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I have, since my return to England, been into a beautiful old parish church in one of the midland counties; the building was in a most deplorable state of dilapidation, and the communion-rail formed a music-stand, while inside were placed an orchestra of two fiddles and a bass-viol.
Lands of the Slave and the Free Cuba, the United States, and Canada Henry A. Murray
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They encroach so much on the space in the narrow chancel that a most curious method for lengthening the communion-rail has been resorted to -- that of bringing forward from the centre a long narrow space enclosed with the rails.
Yorkshire Gordon Home 1923
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It is also called the communion-rail as the faithful kneel at it when receiving Holy Communion.
The Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume 1: Aachen-Assize 1840-1916 1913
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This altar was erected in the middle of the sanctuary between the bishop's throne, which stood in the apse, and the communion-rail, which separated the sanctuary from the body of the church.
The Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume 7: Gregory XII-Infallability 1840-1916 1913
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The object of this was that sufficient space might be allowed between the lowest step of the altar and the communion-rail (six to twelve feet) for the proper carrying out of the ceremonial, and for the accommodation of the clergy who frequently assisted in large numbers at the solemn celebration of
The Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume 7: Gregory XII-Infallability 1840-1916 1913
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He took it without a word, sat down on the step before the communion-rail, and began to smooth out the wonderful sleave of dusky gold.
The Seaboard Parish, Complete George MacDonald 1864
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Some in their coffins, others on stretchers, they were laid in front of the communion-rail.
The Seaboard Parish Volume 3 George MacDonald 1864
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He took it without a word, sat down on the step before the communion-rail, and began to smooth out the wonderful sleave of dusky gold.
The Seaboard Parish Volume 3 George MacDonald 1864
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Some in their coffins, others on stretchers, they were laid in front of the communion-rail.
The Seaboard Parish, Complete George MacDonald 1864
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