Fastentuch

Lenten veil (cloth covering the altar cross during Lent)

noun FAS-ten-tookh Rare

Usage Note

Fastentuch is the large cloth, often elaborately decorated, hung in churches during Lent to veil the crucifix or altar. Medieval examples survive as important artworks. The practice symbolises penance and anticipation of Easter.

Examples

"Das kunstvolle Fastentuch aus dem 14. Jahrhundert wurde jüngst restauriert."

Natural Translation

The elaborate Lenten veil from the 14th century was recently restored.

Literal Translation

The artful Lenten-cloth from the 14th century was recently restored.

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