Obs. exc. Hist. Also 6 laordose. [? a. F. l’ardoise (ardoise slate, with prefixed article).] The name given to the screen at the back of the high altar of Durham cathedral.
1593. Anc. Mon. Rites, etc. Durham (Surtees), 6. Betwixt the said High Altar and St. Cuthbert’s Feriture is all of French Peere … with faire Images of alabaster being most finely gilted, beinge called in the antient history the Laordose [ed. 1672 Lardose], the said curious workmanshipp of French Peere or Laordose reachinge in hight almost to the middle vault.
1838. Britton, Dict. Archit., Lardose, a corruption of the French term l’arrière dos, employed to designate the high altar-screen of Durham Cathedral.
1850. in Parker, Gloss. Terms Archit.
