lectern

A stand with a slanted top used to support a Bible from which passages are read during a church service.

Noun

  1. A stand with a slanted top used to support a Bible from which passages are read during a church service.
  2. A similar stand to support a lecturer's notes.

Origin

15th century partial re-Latinization of early 14th century Middle English lettorne, lettron, from Old French leitrun, from Medieval Latin lectrinum, from Late Latin lectrum, from lectus (from whence also lecture), form of Latin legō (“to read”).

Forms

lecterns lettern

Synonyms

podium pulpit

Related

lection lecture lector lesson