1. Plural of antependium; decorative cloths or panels hung in front of an altar in a church.
Usage: ecclesiastical; formal

Examples

• The cathedral's antependia were embroidered with gold thread and religious symbols.
• During the liturgical season, the antependia were changed to match the church's color scheme.
• The museum displayed several medieval antependia from the 15th century.
• The priest arranged the antependia carefully before the morning service.
• Ornate antependia adorned the high altar during the Easter celebration.