Narthex

2 definitions found

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

  Narthex \Nar"thex\, n. [L., giant fennel, Gr. na`rqhx.]
     1. (Bot.) A tall umbelliferous plant ({Ferula communis}). See
        {Giant fennel}, under {Fennel}.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     2. (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.
        [1913 Webster]

From WordNet (r) 2.0 [wn]:

  narthex
       n 1: portico at the west end of an early Christian basilica or
            church
       2: a vestibule leading to the nave of a church