Webster's English Dictionary

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altar

al.tar \'o.l-t*r\ n [ME alter, fr. OE altar, fr. L altare; akin to L 
   adole-] often attrib re to burn up 1: a usu. raised structure or place on 
   which sacrifices are offered or ince nse is burned in worship 2: a usu. 
   enclosed table used in consecrating the eucharistic elements or a s a 
   center of worship or ritual