Definition

1. Noun:
   • An ornamental hanging of rich fabric hung behind the altar of a church or at the sides of a chancel: A "dossel" is a decorative textile, often made of luxurious materials like velvet or brocade, used as a backdrop in the sanctuary of a church.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The new dossel behind the altar was embroidered with gold thread.
  • During the restoration, the historic dossel was carefully cleaned and preserved.

Advanced Usage

• Ecclesiastical context: The term "dossel" is used almost exclusively in the context of church architecture and furnishings. It is a specific type of liturgical hanging.
  • The bishop blessed the newly installed dossel.

Variants and Related Words

• Dossal: This is a common variant spelling of "dossel." Both forms refer to the same object.
  • The antique dossal was a gift from a local noble family.

Synonyms

• Altar hanging: A general term for decorative fabrics placed at the altar.
• Reredos: While a "reredos" is typically a permanent, often sculpted, screen behind an altar, it serves a similar decorative and symbolic purpose as a fabric dossel.

Noun

1. an ornamental hanging of rich fabric hung behind the altar of a church or at the sides of a chancel