n.
Pronunciation: pri- ' de-l ə
Function: noun
Etymology: Italian, footrest, altar step, predella, from Langobardic (Gmc language of the Lombards) *predel-, *pretel-, lath, board; akin to Old High German bret board, bort plank, ship's side ― more at BOARD
Date: 1853
: the base of an altarpiece especially : one containing decorated panels depicting scenes related to the main panel or panels