from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Faldstool \Fald"stool`\, n. [See {Faldistory}.]
A folding stool, or portable seat, made to fold up in the
manner of a camo stool. It was formerly placed in the choir
for a bishop, when he offciated in any but his own cathedral
church. --Fairholt.
[1913 Webster]
Note: In the modern practice of the Church of England, the
term faldstool is given to the reading desk from which
the litany is read. This esage is a relic of the
ancient use of a lectern folding like a camp stool.
[1913 Webster]