throne

throne chair of state or the seat of a high dignitary. The throne was at first a stool or bench and later became an ornate armchair, usually raised on a dais and surmounted by a canopy. Often lavishly decorated, thrones have been made of a variety of materials, including wood, stone, ivory, and precious metals. Ancient Greek thrones were simple in form, with rectangular or curving legs and rosette adornments; they were adapted by the Etruscans, who made them more comfortable, and also by the Romans, who made them more ornate. The thrones of the East were usually more elaborate and fantastic in conception than those of Europe. In ancient times the Indian throne was a combined throne-altar, serving both a royal and a religious purpose. Thrones of the Renaissance in Europe were heavily ornamented with precious stones. Napoleon's throne was a gilded chair displaying eagles, lions, and other symbols. The throne of Great Britain is an oak chair in the House of Lords. At St. Peter's in Rome is the bronze papal throne designed by Bernini. The throne of a bishop is called a cathedra and the church in which it is maintained is thus a cathedral.

throne a ceremonial chair for a sovereign, bishop, or similar figure. Recorded from Middle English, the word comes via Old French and Latin from Greek thronos ‘elevated seat’.

In traditional Christian angelology, thrones are the third-highest order of the ninefold celestial hierarchy.
Great White Throne the throne of God, with allusion to Revelation 20:11.
Throne of Grace the place where God is conceived as sitting to answer prayer, as in Hebrews 4:16.

See also power behind the throne.

throne / [unvoicedth]rōn/ • n. a ceremonial chair for a sovereign, bishop, or similar figure. ∎  (the throne) used to signify sovereign power: the heir to the throne. ∎ humorous a toilet. ∎  (thrones) (in traditional Christian angelology) the third-highest order of the ninefold celestial hierarchy. • v. [tr.] (usu. be throned) poetic/lit. place (someone) on a throne: the king was throned on a rock.