# lectern

> English word · Noun · IPA /ˈlɛktə(ɹ)n/ · frequency rank #56,868

## Definitions
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.

## Etymology
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”).

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/lectern