altar-cloth

plural altar-cloths

1. alternativeAlternative form of altar cloth.

   But I want to see the altar-cloth, which must, I think, be getting into a bad condition.

   2005, Émile Zola (Translation by Ernest Alfred Vizetelly), The Conquest of Plassans

   3 more examples

   The tabernacle was covered with dust ; the candlesticks were grown black, not having been cleaned for years ; the altar-cloths were soiled, and almost in rags.

   1832, Louise d'Argenton (fict. name), Louisa; or, The virtuous villager, page 135

   This century's contribution was mainly in the fabrics sewn and woven by the women of Foxford: the embroidered altar-cloth with a floral design; the dossal, or hanging back-panel for the altar, representing the Annunciation; the lectern fall with crucifix in padded gold kid; the individual kneelers, memorials to past worshippers;...

   2012, Peter Lovesey, The Reaper

   I observed that the words which the lightning had not printed on the cloth, but had omitted, were done in red letters on the card, and were no more favoured nor ill-used than certain other marks without any significance also printed in red upon the card, and leaving no trace upon the altar-cloth.

   2013, Camille Flammarion, Thunder and Lightning