Definitions

from The Century Dictionary.

  • noun A part of an early Christian or an Oriental church or basilica, at the end furthest from the bema or sanctuary, and nearest to the main entrance.
  • noun In antiquity, a small box or casket for unguents or perfumes.
  • noun An old genus of umbelliferous plants, now referred to Ferula. See asafetida.

from the GNU version of the Collaborative International Dictionary of English.

  • noun (Bot.) A tall umbelliferous plant (Ferula communis). See Giant fennel, under fennel.
  • noun (Arch.) The portico in front of ancient churches; sometimes, the atrium or outer court surrounded by ambulatories; -- used, generally, for any vestibule, lobby, or outer porch, leading to the nave of a church.

from WordNet 3.0 Copyright 2006 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.

  • noun portico at the west end of an early Christian basilica or church
  • noun a vestibule leading to the nave of a church

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