A tall stand with a sloping top to hold a book or notes, from which someone, typically a preacher or lecturer, can read while standing up. desk or stand with a slanted top used to hold a text at the proper height for a lecturer. synonyms: reading desk.
lectern, originally a pedestal-based reading desk with a slanted top used for supporting liturgical books—such as Bibles, missals, and breviaries at religious services; later, a stand that supports a speaker's books and notes.