(antependium - Latin: ante, before; pendere, hang)
An appendage covering the entire front of the altar; a similar covering should be used at the back if it be seen by the people. It may be made of precious metals, wood, cloth of gold, or other precious materials. If the altar be of carved wood or marble it may be considered sufficiently ornamental, and the antependium deemed unnecesary.
This dictionary contains not only definitions and explanations of every subject in Religion, Scripture, tradition, doctrine, morals, sacraments, rites, customs, devotions and symbolism, but also accounts of the Church in every continent, country, diocese; missions, notable Catholic centers, cities, and places with religious names; religious orders, church societies, sects and false religions. It has brief articles also on historical events and personages, on the Old Testament and New, and on popes, prelates, priests, men and women of distinction, showing what the Church has done for civilization and correcting many errors which have hitherto passed for history.Wikipedia
Read More