Word Study
predella
CIDE DICTIONARY
predella, n. [It.].
The step, or raised secondary part, of an altar; a superaltar; hence, in Italian painting, a band or frieze of several pictures running along the front of a superaltar, or forming a border or frame at the foot of an altarpiece. [1913 Webster]
OXFORD DICTIONARY
predella, n.
1 an altar-step, or raised shelf at the back of an altar.
2 a painting or sculpture on this, or any picture forming an appendage to a larger one esp. beneath an altarpiece.
1 an altar-step, or raised shelf at the back of an altar.
2 a painting or sculpture on this, or any picture forming an appendage to a larger one esp. beneath an altarpiece.
Etymology
It., = stool
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