Absis

2 definitions found

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

  Apse \Apse\ ([a^]ps), n.; pl. Apses ([a^]p"s[e^]z). [See
     {Apsis}.]
     1. (Arch.)
        (a) 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. Hence:
        (b) The bishop's seat or throne, in ancient churches.
            [1913 Webster]
  
     2. A reliquary, or case in which the relics of saints were
        kept.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     Note: This word is also written {apsis} and {absis}.
           [1913 Webster]

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

  Absis \Ab"sis\, n.
     See {Apsis}.
     [1913 Webster]