From Longman Dictionary of Contemporary Englishlecternlec‧tern /ˈlektən $ -ərn/ noun [countable] DRRCan object with a sloping surface that you put an open book or notes on while you are speaking to people in public
Examples from the Corpus
lectern• Aziz and Baker didn't count: they were dehumanised bit-players who stood in front of lecterns.• The privileged sign in at a large book attached by a thin chain to a sort of lectern.• That way, you can see if you clutch the lectern or keep your hands too stiffly at your side.• Corbett bowed towards Lady Amelia, stepped from the lectern and walked quietly out of the church.• They grip the lectern, their knees knock, and they sweat profusely as they try to get their point across.• Daley turned purple and pounded his fist on the lecterns when he later denied the rumor.• Do not bring numerous volumes to the lectern.• The lectern at the Guildhall is a classic example of one that looks beautiful but is too small and fragile to use.Origin lectern (1300-1400) Old French letrun, from Medieval Latin lectorinum, from Latin lector “reader” 