lectern

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”).[1]

• Rhymes: -ɛktə(ɹ)n

lectern (plural lecterns)

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.

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.

• podium

• lection
• lecture
• lector
• lesson