Bema

2 definitions found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  Bema \Be"ma\, n. [Gr. ? step, platform.]
     [1913 Webster]
     1. (Gr. Antiq.) A platform from which speakers addressed an
        assembly. --Mitford.
        [1913 Webster]
  


     2. (Arch.)
        (a) That part of an early Christian church which was
            reserved for the higher clergy; the inner or eastern
            part of the chancel.
        (b) Erroneously: A pulpit.
            [1913 Webster]

From WordNet (r) 2.0 [wn]:

  bema
       n : area around the altar of a church for the clergy and choir;
           often enclosed by a lattice or railing [syn: {chancel}, {sanctuary}]