AMBRY. An ambry in mediaeval churches was a wall-niche or recess near the altar in which the sacred vessels were kept. Large churches and cathedrals had numerous ambries fitted with shelves and richly carved doors, where consecrated oils, vest ments, holy relics, books or linen were stored. Occasionally an ambry was a chest or cupboard hung near the altar. Variant forms of the word are almery, aumbry and armaliorum.