Definitions

from The Century Dictionary.

  • noun An altar upon which burnt sacrifices were offered, as distinguished from one used for incense only.

Etymologies

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Examples

  • But the Magus of the place had taken the greatest piece, and built it into the fire-altar, because of its great light while it was in the sky.

    Funeral Games Renault, Mary, 1905-1983 1981

  • Before him was the fire-altar, covered with dead ash.

    Funeral Games Renault, Mary, 1905-1983 1981

  • More than once they sacrificed at the fire-altar; the Magus would come, a strong old man who could scramble the rocks like a goatherd, killing snakes and scorpions.

    The Persian Boy Renault, Mary 1972

  • Sometimes snatches come back to me, and then I lose them; seeing only his face in the cool early light, worn and shining, worn fine like much-used gold; his deep eyes bright as a fire-altar; his tousled hair, faded yet still a boy's; and the strong obedient body forgetful of its wounds, ready to face the tasks of another life-span, pacing as if already on its way.

    The Persian Boy Renault, Mary 1972

  • To mention symbols for a moment, apropos of our archaeological readings together, Boots has an antique Asia Minor rug in which I discovered not only the Swastika, but also a fire-altar, a Rhodian lily border, and a Mongolian motif which appears to resemble the cloud-band.

    The Younger Set 1899

  • And as he uttered the words, those surrounding went to the door behind the fire-altar, and opening it, led forth three of our Dagombas amid the savage howls of the excited spectators.

    The Great White Queen A Tale of Treasure and Treason William Le Queux 1895

  • The Syrian workmanship is obvious, and the Syrian character of the cult may be recognized in such details as the small brazen fire-altar before the god, and the sacred pillar which is being anointed by the officiating priest.

    Legends of Babylon and Egypt in relation to Hebrew tradition 1894

  • For that Brâhmana (which begins 'This brick-built fire-altar is this world; the waters are its enclosing-stones,' &c.) declares further on 'whosoever knows this thus comes to be that whole Agni who is the space-filler,' and from this it appears that what is enjoined there is a meditation with a special result of its own.

    The Vedanta-Sutras with the Commentary by Ramanuja — Sacred Books of the East, Volume 48 George Thibaut 1881

  • Prexaspes made no objection to this proposal, took a tender leave of his family while the people were being assembled, uttered a short prayer before the sacred fire-altar and walked proudly to the palace.

    An Egyptian Princess — Volume 10 Georg Ebers 1867

  • Prexaspes made no objection to this proposal, took a tender leave of his family while the people were being assembled, uttered a short prayer before the sacred fire-altar and walked proudly to the palace.

    An Egyptian Princess — Volume 10 Georg Ebers 1867

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