About The Glossary

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Solid masonry placed to counteract the lateral thrust of a vault or arch.

 

A plant with thick, fleshy, scalloped leaves used as a decorative motif on carved ornaments of Corinthian and Composite capitals, and on other moldings.

 

A block on the lower edge of a pediment to support statuary or decoration.

1. The inner sanctuary of a Greek temple, where oracles were delivered.

2. Any private sanctuary.

 

In Sikhism: This early collection of authentic bani was subsumed into the Guru Granth Sahib in 1708 by Guru Gobind Singh. (See Guru Granth Sahib and Guru Gobind Singh)

 

1. A shrine framed by two columns supporting an entablature and pediment, set in a temple and containing a statue.

2. The framing of a door, window, or other opening with two columns, piers or pilasters supporting a gable, lintel, plaque.

3. An entablature and pediment.

 

1. The collection of sutras, or discourses of the Buddha, which are used in the Sanskrit-based tradition of Buddhism.

2. The scripture of Jainism, believed by some to be the actual sermons given by Mahavira to his disciples.

1. In Christian architecture: an aisle is a division of a church, usually flanking the nave on each side and divided from it by columns or piers; it runs parallel to the main areas – nave, choir and transept – and is (typically in cathedrals) separated from them by an arcade.

2. In Midwestern vernacular usage, an aisle is the linear empty passageway or path between rows of pews or chairs; typically, there are three: one in the center and two more at the left and right sides of the seating area(s).

3. The word originally described sections of a church building added on as wings (from the French aile ) to the sides of the long, central area, or nave.

 

A building material; often used for columns.

 

In Western Christianity: A full-length white linen garment worn by clergy when celebrating communion.

In Western Christianity: The room in a monastery in which alms are distributed.

 

A structure on which to place or sacrifice offerings to a deity. In classical antiquity, the altar was usually constructed of stone and situated in the open air at some distance to the east or at the entrance of the temple. Sacrifices to the gods and spirits of the earth were performed here. Since in most cultures substitute offerings have come to take the place of living beings, the term has come to designate any raised place or table, whether outside or in a shrine, church or temple, upon which offerings are placed In Christianity, it can also be called altar table or Lord's Supper table, Lord’s Table, or communion table; it is the surface on which clergy prepare the Eucharist. In Christian architecture: it often the focal point of the church. Once solid, and usually made of stone, the altar is now often made in simple, table-like shapes in stone, wood or other material. Once always placed against the back wall of the apse, altars now often are moved away from the wall so that the clergy face the congregation when preparing communion.

 

The altar signals the place of arrival and rebirth. It is the focal point of the sanctuary, the seed within the pod of its enclosing floor, walls and roof, the world navel. Because the altar serves as the power point for regeneration, it is usually raised or lowered in relation to its surroundings. When lowered, it represents the open womb from which creation springs. A raised altar suggests the swelling of seed energies sprouting into diverse expressions. Often a semicircular wall called an apse defines this part of the sanctuary. The enclosing space takes on the role of the womb; the raised altar is the germinating inner force. Light is greatest here. Coming from east-facing windows or groupings of candles, it energizes the renewing ritual. (adapted from The Temple in the House)

 

1. A semicircular or polygonal aisle enclosing an apse or a straight-ended sanctuary, which provides passage around the sanctuary; originally used for processional purposes.

2. In Gothic church architecture, it usually is a continuation of the side aisles around a chancel or apse, providing space for processions around the sanctuary.

 

An elliptical or circular space surrounded by rising tiers of seats.

 

(Punjabi: “nectar”) In Sikhism: mixture of sugar and water used at initiation.

 

One of the Four Books, that, along with the Five Classics, comprise the Confucian Canon.

 

An appendix to the west end of a church, resembling a porch or a narthex, but several bays deep and usually consisting of nave and aisles.

 

A covering for the front of an altar, usually of metal or fabric.

 

Ornament based on honeysuckle flower and leaves, common in Greek and Roman architectural styles.

 

The top stone in a gable end.

apodyterium

1. Dressing room of a (public) bath.

2. In Judaism: Used to describe the dressing room adjacent to a miqvah.

 

A raised panel below a window-sill, sometimes shaped and decorated.

 

1. A curved recess, often semi-circular, projecting from a building.

2. A vaulted semicircular or polygonal termination, usually to a chancel or chapel.

3. The eastern end of a basilica, usually semicircular in shape and arranged to accommodate the seats of ritual participants (usually, clergy) behind the altar.

4. In traditional Christian church construction, an apse is the vaulted end portion of a nave, transept or aisle, usually the circular or angular typically east end of a church.

 

An adjectival form of apse to refer to the semicircular end of a church, especially the east end of a Gothic cathedral.

 

1. Row of arches supported by freestanding or engaged piers or columns.

2. A range of arches carried on piers or columns, either free-standing or blind (i.e. attached to a wall).

 

Structure, usually curved, spanning an opening and supporting the weight of upper parts of buildings, such as domes. An arch is designed so that it can be supported only from the sides. The style of the arch often provides a clue to the overall style of the church. In general, rounded arches indicate Romanesque and pointed arches indicate Gothic. Other common types of arches are basket, discharging, drop, elliptical, four-centered, horseshoe (also known as Moorish), lancet, ogee, pointed, relieving, segmental, shouldered, stilted, Tudor and trefoil.

 

1. The lowest division of the entablature, resting directly upon the capitals of the supporting columns.

2. The molded frame of a window or a door; a collective term for the elements composing the molding around a door or window.

3. The beam or lowest division of the entablature that extends from column to column.

 

The central open space of an amphitheater; also, any building for public contests or displays in the open air.

 

1. A sacred box or container.

2. In Judaism, often refers to the container for the tablets outlining the covenant with God.

3. In Christianity, often refers to Noah's Ark.

 

1.  Indian term for hermitage.

2. In New Age religions: often used as synonym for commune.

 

1. Central courtyard or hall open to the sky and surrounded on all sides by roofed areas, often with a colonnade.

2. In traditional Christian church architecture: an open court in front of a church, usually a colonnaded quadrangle.

 

A cupboard or recess used to keep sacred vessels.

 

The scriptures of Zoroastrianism.

 

Traditional Western Christian churches are aligned on a west-to-east axis, with the main entrance at the west end and the chancel at the east end: a path of salvation leading to the altar, the symbol of communion with Christ, a journey from the base desires of humans to submission to the Godhead. The worshipper follows the path along the axis to the redemptive sacred place, where humans and God were joined by the celebration of the Eucharist, a threshold between earth and heaven. The axis, with its distinct beginning and end, demonstrates Christianity's linear timeline.

 

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B

A platform projecting from a wall, enclosed by a railing or balustrade, supported on brackets or columns or cantilevered out.

A short post or pillar in a series supporting a rail or coping and thus forming a balustrade.

 

(Punjabi) A well, with steps down to the water level.

 

In Christianity: An often ornate, usually raised, baptismal water holder alongside which a "sprinkling" baptism takes place.

 

In Christianity: A large baptismal water holder, usually recessed,  where immersion baptism takes place.

 

In Christianity: A separate building or part of a church used for baptismal rites, and containing a baptismal font or (depending on ritual tradition) pool.

 

Projecting boards placed against the incline of the gable of a building and hiding the ends of the horizontal roof timbers; sometimes decorated (common in Gothic revival buildings).

 

Late Renaissance (17^th and 18^th century) style, typified by bold, highly elaborate decoration.

 

Single vault with a continuous, semicircular section; also known as a tunnel vault or wagon vault.

 

A small turret projecting from the angle on the top of a tower or parapet.

 

Low relief; the partial carving of figures upon a background.

 

1. Originally a Roman public hall consisting of a large room with side aisles.

2. In traditional Christian church architecture: a church divided into a nave and two or more aisles, the former higher and wider than the latter, often lit by the windows of a clerestory and with, or without, a gallery.

 

An arch formed by a segment of a large circle continued left and right by two segments of much smaller circles. Also called three-centered arch or anse de panier.

 

An angular or curved projection of a building front filled by fenestration. If curved, also called a bow window; if on an upper floor only, called an oriel or oriel window.

 

An angular or curved projection of a building front filled by fenestration. If curved, also called a bow window; if on an upper floor only, called an oriel or oriel window.

 

A framework on a roof to hang bells from.

1. (Greek) A speaker's platform.

2. In Western Christianity: Raised stage for the clergy in the apse of Early Christian Churches.

3. In Eastern Christianity: A space raised above the nave level of a church, which is shut off by the iconostasis and contains the altar.

4. In Judaism: A platform in the synagogue on which stands   the desk from which the Pentateuch and Torah is read; it is usually wooden and rectangular, and sometimes has a curved front and back, also open sides approached by steps.

Researcher Note: Use bema to describe the platform at the front of a sanctuary where the clergy/choir/musicians/whomever stand to conduct a religious service, and/or the raised floor on which the altar, if there is one, stands. 

1. In Judaism: refers to Hebrew Bible.

2. In Christianity: usually refers to Old and New Testaments together.

Researcher Note: There are many variant translations of these sacred scriptures; for research purposes, it is best to note the edition name and year of the Bible used in observed worship service.

 

See bema.

 

In Christianity: A dove, or other bird, suspended above the altar symbolizing the Holy Spirit.

 

An ornamental knob or projection covering the intersection of ribs in a vault or ceiling; often carved with foliage.

A hall found in buildings used by Theravada Buddhism dedicated to the purpose of teaching, preaching and meditation.

 

A small supporting piece of stone or other material, often formed of scrolls or volutes, to carry a projecting weight.

 

(Italian) A rock of angular fragments joined with cement.


 

A building is any enclosure of sufficient space for a person to move about in it.


 

A Japanese Buddhist household altar.


 

A mass of masonry or brickwork projecting from or built against a wall to give additional strength, often helping to support a vault or roof; in Christian church architecture, a characteristic of the Gothic style.


 

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C

In Western Christianity: A small chapel behind and above the high altar in Spanish-style churches.


 

A metal strip used for leaded lights.


 

Italian term for a bell-tower, usually freestanding


 

A latticed screen or grille separating the choir from the main body of a church.


 

A projection or hood over a door, window, tomb, altar, pulpit, niche, etc.


 

The head or crowning feature of a column; the decorative top portion of a column. The form, usually of stone, that supplies the visual transition between the top of a column (or shaft) and whatever the column supports (usually the architrave). Classical Orders usually can be identified from this decorated section.


 

In Christianity: A niche in a cloister where a monk might sit and work or read.


 

An ornamental panel in the form of a scroll or sheet of paper with curling edges, usually bearing an inscription and sometimes ornately framed.


 

The hinged part of a window, attached to the upright side of the window frame; also, the wide concave molding in door and window jambs and between compound columns or piers in Late Gothic-style architecture.


 

A metal or timber window with the sash hung vertically and opening outwards or inwards.


 

In Christianity (especially denominations with defined hierarchy): The bishop's chair or throne in his cathedral church, originally placed behind the high altar in the center of the curved wall of the apse.


 

1. In Christianity: The bishop's church; a church of any size that contains the cathedra.

2. In popular usage, it can also mean any large, ornate "church-like" structure, such as the Scottish Rite Cathedral in Indianapolis (which is used by a Masonic order rather than a bishop).


 

Principal room of a temple. (= naos)


 

A funerary monument to a person or persons buried elsewhere.


 

In Christianity: An elaborately decorated hand-held container for burning incense which priests swing from golden chains in sanctuaries to purify or sanctify the air.


 

A molding around a room to prevent chairs, when pushed back against the walls, from damaging their surface.


 

In Christianity: A sacramental vessel; the goblet used for the wine in the liturgy of communion.


 

(Punjabi) In Sikhism: canopy over Guru Granth Sahib.


 

1. In Christian church architecture: That part of the east end of a church in which the main altar is placed; reserved for clergy and choir.

2. The term more usually describes the space enclosed and is applied to the whole continuation of the nave east of the crossing.

3. From the Latin cancellus, which strictly means the screen that often separated it from the main body of the church.


 

The arch at the west end of a chancel.


 

In Christianity (especially Roman Catholicism): A chapel attached to, or inside, a church, established and reserved by endowment for the celebration of Masses for the soul of the benefactor or of such others as he/she may order.


 

In Christianity: A place set aside for prayer; a building used for worship.


 

In Christianity: 

1. Main secular meeting hall of a monastic community, often adjoining a cloister.

2. The building in a cathedral complex set aside for meetings of the chapter, i.e. the administrative assembly responsible for cathedral affairs.


 

(Punjabi) In Sikhism: fan waved over Guru Granth Sahib to show respect for it. (roughly equivalent to Buddhism’s hossu)


 

In Christian church architecture: The French term for the east end of a church, consisting of apse and ambulatory with or without radiating chapels.


 

1. Singing group, often used to designate singing groups attached to religious organizations.

2. In Christian church architecture: The part of a church where divine service is sung.

3. In Christian cathedrals: the section of the church east of the transept that is sometimes raised above the level of the nave is called the choir because traditionally this is where the choir stands to sing during the service.

4. In other Christian churches, it is the area of a church reserved for the singers. 5.  Also, the eastern area of a Christian church or cathedral, normally occupied by the choir and the clergy; sometimes called the chancel.


 

Screen separating the choir area from the congregational area of a church, usually decoratively carved or ornamented.


 

(Punjabi) In Sikhism: The fabric covering on the flag mast outside the gurdwara, which is traditionally replaced at Vaisakhi.


 

Consecrated oil made of a mixture of olive and balsam, used in the Catholic and Orthodox churches as an accessory in various rites of a consecratory character, notably baptism, confirmation and ordination.


 

One of the Five Elements which are part of the Confucian Canon, it includes extracts from the history of the Chinese state of Lu from 722 to 484 BCE, said to have been compiled by Confucius.


 

One of the Four Books which are part of the Confucian Canon.


 

1. A building used for Christian worship.

2. In popular usage, it can mean any structure used for any religious or spiritual purpose.


 

A canopy raised over the high altar. It is normally a dome supported on columns.


 

An external covering or skin applied to a structure for aesthetic or protective purposes.


 

Style of architecture used in ancient Greece and Rome, and imitated in later periods.


 

1. In Christian church architecture: The topmost part of the church building, the upper story of a church wall, pierced by windows illuminating the central portion of the interior space.

2. In vernacular use, a row of windows above the ceiling level of the first floor in any building.

3. A clerestory is below the main eaves, but above any projecting secondary roofs.


 

In Christian architecture: Roofed or vaulted passage way surrounding an open quadrangle which connects domestic areas within a monastic building.


 

Decoration of a ceiling, a vault or an arch soffit, consisting of sunken square or polygonal ornamental panels.


 

A row or range of columns carrying an entablature or arches; a long row of columns in a line.


 

In Christian church architecture: Interment place for cremated remains either within a church building or on its grounds.


 

A vertical post-like support. Usually consists of three parts: a base, a shaft (usually circular or polygonal), and a capital at the top. A column in Classical style usually is described using the Greek order to which it conforms. They are (in ascending complexity) Doric (fluted column with no separate base, plain capital), Ionic (fluted column, separate base, twin-scrolled capital) and Corinthian (fluted column, separate base, capital with carved acanthus leaves). Other common styles are Tuscan (plain column, separate base, plain capital) and Composite (resemble Corinthian, but with spiral motifs at each of the corners of the capital).


 

In Christian church architecture: The low fence or railing before which congregants kneel to receive communion from clergy or assistants.


 

Classical Roman Order of architecture.


 

A semicircular niche surmounted by a half-dome.


 

In Christian church architecture: A separate place in Roman Catholic churches, often in the form of a wooden cubicle, where the faithful enter individually to meet the priest seated behind a partition. To him they confess their sins and from him they receive remission and forgiveness in the name of God.


 

The Confucian scriptures, which include the Four Books and Five Classics.


 

A capping or covering to a wall, either flat or sloping, to throw off water.


 

Stone blocks, projecting from a wall, used to support a horizontal part of a building, such as a roof or floor beams.


 

One of the Classical orders of architecture, typified by the acanthus-leaf decoration on the capital and fluted columns.


 

1. Uppermost projecting part of an entablature surmounting the frieze and often decorated with moldings and dentils on its lower face.

2. Any continuous projecting decorative molding surmounting an architectural feature.


 

1. In Christianity: A monk's hood.

2. A metal covering, like a monk's hood, fixed over a chimney or other vent and revolving with the wind to improve ventilation.


 

In Christian church architecture: A small table or shelf near the altar, on which the sacraments are placed.


 

In Jewish temple architecture: The stepped outer edges of a temple platform


 

In Christianity: A staff resembling a shepherd's crook carried by bishops and abbots as a symbol of office.


 

1. A structure consisting of an upright with a transverse beam used esp. by the ancient Romans for execution.

2. When capitalized, usually refers to the Cross on which Jesus was crucified.

3. A Christian symbol consisting of an upright bar traversed by a horizontal one (see also Greek cross, Latin cross). Other common forms are Calvary, patriarchial, Lorraine, papal, Celtic, Maltese, Saint Andrew's, tau, pommée, botonée, fleury, avelian, moline, formée, fourchée, crosslet, quadrate and potent.


 

In Christian church architecture: The area of intersection between the nave, transepts and chancel, usually topped by a dome or tower; symbolically, the point of decision on the journey to Christ.


 

The highest part of an arch, where the keystone is located.


 

In Christianity: A cross of any size in wood, metal, etc., bearing a representation of the crucified Christ. Often found above the altar in sanctuaries (especially Roman Catholic churches), and also worn as an emblem of faith.


 

1. In Christian church architecture: A chamber or vault beneath the main floor, not necessarily underground, and usually containing chapel, graves and/or relics.

2. The basement area in a building, especially a church or cathedral.


 

A small dome, usually springing from a circular or octagonal base, crowning a roof or turret.


 

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D

The finishing of the lower part of an interior wall from the floor to waist height.


 

(Japanese) Great Buddha; usually used to describe colossal statues of Buddha.


 

A round structure, open to the sky, in which Zoroastrians expose their dead for disposal by birds.


 

(Punjabi) In Sikhism: compilation of writings attributed to the tenth Guru, which may be read in gurdwara.


 

See pangri.


 

(Punjabi) In Sikhism: settlement of a spiritual teacher where his followers gather.


 

(Punjabi) In Sikhism: early name for a gurdwara, now often a hostel for pilgrims. (See also gurdwara).


 

(Greek) In Eastern Christian church architecture: That part of a Greek Orthodox Church which lies to the right of the sanctuary, but behind the iconostasis, and in which the deacons are responsible for the sacramental vessels and liturgical books required for services. (= sacristy)


 

In Sikhism: The room in a gurdwara where diwan takes place.


 

1. A vault of even curvature erected on a circular base.

2. A convex solid roof, usually circular or polygon in its plan, with a base that may be circular, square or polygonal.

3. Common types (categorized by the shapes of both the base and the section through the center of the dome) are: saucer, polyhedral and onion. Many domes are topped with a lantern to provide light inside.


 

One of the Classical orders of architecture, typified by plain capitals and fluted columns without bases.


 

An arch that is pointed with a span greater than its radii.


 

1. Vertical wall supporting a dome or cupola; it may be circular, square or polygonal in plan.

2. The cylindrical blocks of stone that make up a column.

3. The drum gives the dome extra height and allows space for the inclusion of windows to light the interior.


 

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E

Lower edge or underpart of a sloping roof, projecting over and beyond face of the supporting walls.


 

1. The components of a building, such as windows, walls, doors, corridors, stairs and chimneys.

2. In Christianity: The components of communion (bread and wine). (see also communion)


 

1. The external faces of a building.

2. A drawing made in projection on a vertical plane to show any one face (or elevation) of a building.


 

An arch that is a half ellipse from a center on the springing line.


 

A space surrounded by something else, such as a fence or a wall.


 

1. Used in Greek architectural styles, it comprises the architrave, frieze and cornice (one above the other), supported by a colonnade.

2. More specifically, the entablature is a horizontal lintel above columns and below the roof, the gable of which might be closed by a triangular pediment.


 

Entrances are not just gates or doors, but can also include the passage by which a place may be entered as well as the area beyond the threshold. Entrances link together different spaces.


 

A semicircular or rectangular recess with raised seats; also, more loosely, any apse or niche or the apsidal end of a room or a room opening full width into a larger, covered or uncovered space.


 

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