Antependium, a decorative piece of cloth or embroidery that hangs at the front of an altar, has several synonyms that can be used interchangeably. Some of these synonyms include altar frontal, pallium, dossal, retable, and veil. In some cases, the antependium may be referred to as a frontal, which is typically a piece of fabric that covers the front of a piece of furniture or the front of a stage. Similarly, the dossal is also a decorative hanging that is often used in association with religious spaces. Regardless of the name, antependiums are often used to add to the aesthetic appeal of the altar or to convey a specific message to the congregation.