Lectern

Pronunciation

• Rhymes: -É›ktÉ™(ɹ)n

Origin

15th century partial re-Latinization of early 14th century Middle English lettorne, lettron, from Old French leitrun, from Medieval Latin lectrinum, from Late Latin lectrum, from lectus (from whence also lecture), form of Latin legō ("I read").

Online Etymology Dictionary

Full definition of lectern

Noun

1. A stand with a slanted top used to support a bible from which passages are read during a church service.
2. A similar stand to support a lecturer's notes.

Usage notes

While podium is a more commonly used synonym, particularly for secular lecturing, some reject this usage and instead insist on lectern – see usage notes at podium.

Synonyms

• podium

Related terms

• lection
• lecture
• lector
• lesson