Definition of altar-wise in English:
altar-wise
adverb ˈɔːltəwʌɪzˈɒltəwʌɪz
rare After the manner of an altar, like an altar; specifically in the position of an altar in a church.
Origin
Mid 16th century; earliest use found in Henry Machyn (d. 1563), chronicler. From altar + -wise.