Baldachin

Baldachin, Baldacchino (probably from Baaldak, a mediaeval corruption of Bagdad), a richly adorned canopy in the form of a tent or umbrella over a throne, pulpit, or altar; frequently of some durable material, as that cast in bronze by Bernini in St. Peter's at Rome. The name is also given to the canopy borne in Roman Catholic countries over the priest who carries the Host. Canopies made of rich stuffs were frequently sent as presents in the East, whence the name. The proposal to erect a baldacchino in St. Barnabas' Church, Pimlico, London, led to a legal decision (in 1873) that such a structure would be illegal in an Anglican church.