One STANDS on a PODIUM. One places lecture notes, sermon, book, etc. on a LECTERN. If you're trying to stand on a lectern, you're riding for a fall, and if you try to rest your arms on a podium while you're speaking, you'll be lying on the stage floor, and you'll look pretty funny.
Of course you are correct ...we needn't be a Latin scholar to recognize
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Growing up we attended an English
style Episcopal cathedral with an
impressive pulpit..way up there,
frowning down on we parishiners,
scrolled oak, etc. One evening Lenten service, a theological
expert, well on in years, came from
some back east seminary to deliver
the guest sermon. Impressive, full
head of white hair, with a voice
varying from whisper to shout. We
were, of course, entranced. He boomed out his final point, turned around, and fell down the pulpit steps..head over chasuble. Oddly and sadly, I've forgotten his message, but recall the incident,
and what happens to your nasal
mucus when you stiffle a sudden guffaw.
BB, you are full of great stories! As for the lectern/podium distinction, I fear it is a losing battle, but I can't give it up and will probably go to my grave riled at what to me will always be misuse.
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