the GNU version of the Collaborative International Dictionary of English
noun.
The step, or raised secondary part, of an altar; a superaltar; hence, in Italian painting, a band or frieze of several pictures running along the front of a superaltar, or forming a border or frame at the foot of an altarpiece.
noun.
A raised step near the base of a Christianaltar.
noun.
A series of carvings or paintings on this step, often forming a narrative.
Word Usage
"On the predella, which is divided into three parts, were once various scenes from the life of St. Nicholas of Bari, two of these are now to be found in the Vatican Gallery."