retable

[ ri-tey-buh l, ree-tey- ]
/ rɪˈteɪ bəl, ˈriˌteɪ- /

noun

a decorative structure raised above an altar at the back, often forming a frame for a picture, bas-relief, or the like, and sometimes including a shelf or shelves, as for ornaments.

Origin of retable

1815–25; < French, equivalent to Old French re(re) at the back (< Latin retrō) + table table; compare Medieval Latin retrōtabulum

Example sentences from the Web for retable

British Dictionary definitions for retable

retable
/ (rɪˈteɪbəl) /

noun

an ornamental screenlike structure above and behind an altar, esp one used as a setting for a religious picture or carving

Word Origin for retable

C19: from French, from Spanish retablo, from Latin retrō behind + tabula board; see rear 1, table