reredoses

Noun

reredos (plural reredoses)

1. A screen or decoration behind the altar in a church, usually depicting religious iconography or images, akin to the iconostasis of the Eastern Churches.
   • Near-synonym: retable (often synonymous)

   Synonyms:

   retable

2. The back of an open fire-hearth, in medieval halls and in some later architecture inspired by them.