epistle side

English

In this Methodist church, the lectern is on the epistle side (right of the picture), and the pulpit is on the gospel side

Alternative forms

• Epistle side

Etymology

Traditionally, the Epistle is read from this side.

Noun

epistle side (plural epistle sides)

1. (religion) The right side of an altar or church from the perspective of a person looking from the nave toward the chancel.
   • 1848, anonymous author, The Rite of the Consecration of a Bishop in the Catholic Church:

     the Consecrating Bishop washes his hands, and goes up to the Altar; and the newly consecrated goes to the Epistle side of the same Altar, and having there a Missal placed for him, he accompanies the Consecrating Bishop through the remaining part of the Mass.

Coordinate terms

• gospel side (the left side, viewed from the nave)

References

• “epistle”, in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, Springfield, Mass.: G. & C. Merriam, 1913, →OCLC.

Anagrams

• speediliest