1. ornamental canopies of fabric or stone suspended over an altar, throne, or bed
Usage: architectural; ecclesiastical

Examples

• The cathedral’s altar was crowned with elaborate stone baldachins.
• Medieval churches often featured richly decorated baldachins above their altars.
• The museum displayed several ornate fabric baldachins from the Renaissance period.
• Baroque architects designed impressive marble baldachins for important religious sites.
• The restoration project included cleaning the ancient baldachins in the sanctuary.
• Royal beds in palaces were traditionally covered by silk baldachins.