Apse

[æps]

Definition

(noun.) a domed or vaulted recess or projection on a building especially the east end of a church; usually contains the altar.

Checker: Lucille--From WordNet

Definition

(n.) A projecting part of a building, esp. of a church, having in the plan a polygonal or semicircular termination, and, most often, projecting from the east end. In early churches the Eastern apse was occupied by seats for the bishop and clergy.

(n.) The bishop's seat or throne, in ancient churches.

(n.) A reliquary, or case in which the relics of saints were kept.

Edited by Bessie

Definition

n. an arched semicircular or polygonal recess at the east end of the choir of a church—here in the Roman basilica stood the pr鎡or's chair.—adj. Ap′sidal.—n. Apsid′iole a secondary apse as one of the apses on either side of the central or main apse in a church of triapsidal plan.

Checked by Gerald