Definitions

from The Century Dictionary.

  • noun An altarpiece consisting of a central part and double-folding wings on each side.
  • noun A screen of five leaves.

from the GNU version of the Collaborative International Dictionary of English.

  • noun (Fine Arts) A picture, or combination of pictures, consisting of a centerpiece and double folding doors or wings, as for an altarpiece.

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

  • noun A picture, or combination of pictures, consisting of a centrepiece and double folding doors or wings, as for an altarpiece.

Etymologies

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License

penta- + Ancient Greek πτυχή ("a fold").

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Examples

  • We shall call attention here only to the best-known specimen that has been preserved, the pentaptych in the treasury of Milan cathedral the central division of this is ornamented by this process with the paschal lamb and the cross.

    The Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume 10: Mass Music-Newman 1840-1916 1913

  • Conceived in the mid-1830s, Cole's great pentaptych has a clear message: all empires, no matter how magnificent, are condemned to decline and fall.

    whoar.co.nz admin 2010

  • story sale: the apokalypsis pentaptych to qarrtsiluni

    story sale: the apokalypsis pentaptych to qarrtsiluni jlundberg 2008

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