altar cloth

plural altar cloths

1. A decorative cloth that is used to cover the top, front, and sides of an altar.

   The altar cloths and eucharistic vessels will be placed on the credence.

   2010, I.S. Cooper, Ceremonies of The Young Rite, page 305

   2 more examples

   With the expansion of possibilities for altar cloths and their ability to express the given seasons, we are rightly less inclined to use extra hangings (sometimes called paraments) for festivals.

   1993, G. Thomas Ryan, The Sacristy Manual, page 49

   According to the evidence label, it was an altar cloth, slightly yellowed, about ten feet long and two and a half feet wide, with lace trim on three sides.

   2015, David Yonke, Sin, Shame & Secrets