Reredos
Webster's Dictionary [1]
(1): ( n.) The open hearth, upon which fires were lighted, immediately under the louver, in the center of ancient halls.
(2): ( n.) The back of a fireplace.
(3): ( n.) A screen or partition wall behind an altar.
The Nuttall Encyclopedia [2]
The name given to the decorated portion of the wall or screen behind and rising above a church altar; as a rule it is richly ornamented with niches and figures, and stands out from the east wall of the church, but not unfrequently it is joined to the wall; splendid examples exist at All Souls' College, Oxford, Durham Cathedral, St. Albans, &c.
Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature [3]
Bibliography Information McClintock, John. Strong, James. Entry for 'Reredos'. Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature. https://www.studylight.org/encyclopedias/eng/tce/r/reredos.html. Harper & Brothers. New York. 1870.
