exonarthex

Noun.  (architecture) , (Christianity) The space anterior to the narthex of a church, sometimes roofed-over as with a porch, but more often an enclosed courtyard; in antiquity, the courtyard where catechumens were permitted to be close to the Eucharist, but forbidden to see it celebrated.

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This entry was last updated on RefTopia from its source on 3/20/2012.