n. 1 a table or flat-topped block, often of stone, for sacrifice or offering to a deity. 2 a Communion-table. altar boy a boy who serves as a priest's assistant in a service. lead to the altar marry (a woman).
[ OE altar -er, Gmc adoption of LL altar, altarium f. L altaria (pl.) burnt offerings, altar, prob. rel. to adolere burn in sacrifice ]