/awl"teuhr/ , n.
1. an elevated place or structure, as a mound or platform, at which religious rites are performed or on which sacrifices are offered to gods, ancestors, etc.
2. Eccles. See communion table .
3. ( cap. ) Astron. the constellation Ara.
4. (in a dry dock) a ledge for supporting the feet of shorings.
5. lead to the altar , to marry: After a five-year courtship, he led her to the altar.
[ bef. 1000; ME alter, altar (influenced by L), auter ( aut ( i ) er ), OE alter (OE also altar; cf. MD outaer, OS, ON altari, OHG altari ) altaria (pl.), of disputed origin and formation, but prob. akin to L adolere to ritually burn, Umbrian uretu let it burn ]