glossary of church terms
Abacus The top part of a capital, usually a flat slab of stone or marble supporting the architrave.
Abbey A monastery consisting of monks governed by an abbot, or nuns under an abbess. Since the Dissolution of the Monasteries, the word has been used to describe a church which was formerly part of a monastery.
Abutment Solid masonry, i.e., a wall or a pier, placed to resist the sideways pressure of an arch.
Acanthus A common decorative leaf shaped feature.
Acroterion Foliage-carved block on the end or top of a classical pediment, often supporting statuary or ornaments.
Addorsed Two human figures, animals, or birds, etc., placed symmetrically so that they turn their backs to each other.
Aedicule, Aedicula Framing of a window or door by columns and a pediment.
Affronted Two human figures, animals, or birds, etc., placed symmetrically so that they face each other.
Aisle The part of the church on either side of the nave, generally separated by a row of pillars. It is therefore not strictly correct to use this term to describe the walkway leading up the centre of the nave.
Alb or Albe A long, white, linen garment worn by many ministers who celebrate the Holy Communion in Eucharistic Vestments. The alb is always worn with an amice, and symbolises purity.
Alms Originally money or gifts for the poor, now extended to mean offerings by congregations or gifts for any religious or charitable purpose.
Alms basin A large plate, usually of metal, in which the offerings and alms of the congregation are collected for presentation before the altar.
Alms box A box or similar receptacle for receiving alms.
Altar A raised structure of stone or wood consecrated as the place on which the Eucharist is celebrated. The earliest altars were formed from wooden tables in private houses. Stone altars were introduced when it became customary to celebrate the Eucharist on the tombs of martyrs.
Altar cross The cross surmounting an altar at the centre.
Altar hangings A collective term to describe the frontal, antipendia, superfrontal, dorsal and riddles.
Altar linen A collective term for the cere-cloth, altar cloth or fair linen, corporal, chalice veil, purificators, pall, etc.
Altar lights The candles on an altar.
Altar of repose The altar to which the Blessed Sacrament is taken in procession after the Mass of Maundy Thursday and reserved for the Mass of the Presanctified on Good Friday.
Altar rails The rails marking off the area around or in front of the altar. These were introduced to prevent the desecration of the altar. They later became used as the place where communicants knelt to receive Communion.
Ambo The name given to the pulpit or reading-desk in early Christian churches. Ambos are still found in many churches today, usually in pairs, in place of the pulpit and lectern. The Gospel was read or sung from the ambo.
Ambulatory Semicircular or polygonal walking space enclosing an apse in certain churches of the Norman period.
Amice A linen neckpiece and collar worn with the alb.
Antependium A carved or painted panel serving as an altar facade.
Antis, In see Portico.
Apse Vaulted semicircular or polygonal end of a chancel or a chapel. Usually has an arched or domed roof. Apsidal sanctuaries were a common feature of ancient basilicas but only a few Norman examples remain, e.g. Norwich Cathedral.
Arabesque Light and fanciful surface decoration using combinations of flowing lines, tendrils, etc., interspersed with vases, animals, etc.
Arcade Range of arches supported on piers or columns, free-standing or in the case of a Blind Arcade attached to a wall.
Arch Roundheaded, semicircular. Consists of two curves, each drawn from one centre, and meeting in a point at the top. See Figure 1 (ii).
Architrave The horizontal beam which rests across the abaci at the top of a series of columns.
Archivolt A continuous moulding on the face of an arch and following its contour. Also see soffit.
Arris The vertical sharp edges between the flutes on a column.
Ashlar Masonry of large blocks hewn and squared prepared for building.
Atlantes Male counterparts of caryatids; also called telamones.
Atrium Inner court of a Roman house, also open court in a church complex.
Attached see Engaged.
Aumbry Recess or cupboard to hold sacred vessels for Mass and Communion.
Aumbry lamp A light located near the aumbry to indicate the presence of the consecrated elements.
Bailey Open space or court of a stone-built castle.
Baldachino Canopy supported on columns, above an altar, throne or shrine.
Ballflower Globular flower of three petals enclosing a small ball. A decoration used in the first quarter of the C14.
Baluster A shaped pillar or column supporting a handrail or coping.
Balustrade Series of balusters.
Banner Originally the standard of a king or prince which acted as a rallying point in battle. Banners are now common in churches. They are used on special occasions, depicting either some sacred symbol of a general nature or one specifically connected with a patron saint, Christ or the Virgin Mary. Church organisations such as Mother’s Union and Sunday Schools may also have banners in church.
Baptismal shell A shell, often mother of pearl and ornamented by a cross, used to pour the water of baptism over the head of the person being baptised.
Baptistery That part of a church in which the sacrament of baptism is carried out. In Baptist churches this will be a substantial feature to allow for total immersion.
Bargeboards Projecting decorated boards placed against the incline of the gable of a building and hiding the horizontal roof timbers.
Baroque A term applied to Renaissance Architecture beginning in Italy in the C17.
Barrel vault A continuous vault, semi-circular in shape, like a tunnel.
Basilica In medieval architecture an aisled church with a clerestory. The word now means a church or cathedral which has its origins in the above, or has been built in the same architectural design. In the Roman Catholic Church, the Pope gives this title to certain churches which he wishes to honour.
Bastion Projection at the angle of a fortification.
Batter Inclined face of a wall.
Battlement Parapet with a series of indentations or embrasures with raised portions or ‘merlons’ between. Also called Crenallation.
Bays Internal compartments of a building each divided from the other not by solid walls but by divisions only marked in the side walls (columns, pilasters, etc.) or the ceiling (beams, etc.). Commonly found in cathedrals.
Beakhead Norman ornamental motif consisting of a row of birds or beast heads with beaks biting usually into a roll moulding.
Belfry Either a bell tower, generally attached to a church (see Campanile), but sometimes standing separate. Also refers to the space in the church tower where the bells are hung.
Bellcote Framework on a roof to hang bells on.
Bell tower see Belfry and Campanile.
Bier A movable stand on which a coffin is placed before burial.
Billet frieze Norman ornamental motif made-up of short raised rectangles placed at regular intervals.
Bishop’s chair In churches and missions a chair usually placed in the sanctuary for use of the bishop when he visits.
Bishop’s ring A heavy gold signet ring, usually with the seal of the diocese engraved in an amethyst.
Bishop’s throne see Cathedra.
Block capital Romanesque capital cut from a cube by having the lower angles rounded off to the circular shaft below. Also called Cushion Capital.
Boss Knob or projection usually placed to cover the intersection of ribs in a vault.
Box pew Pew with a high wooden enclosure.
Bracket Small supporting piece of stone, etc., to carry a projecting horizontal.
Brass A brass memorial tablet with a figure or inscription, set either in the floor or on the wall of a church.
Bressumer Beam in a timber framed building to support the, usually projecting, superstructure.
Broach see Spire
Broken Pediment see Pediment
Burse The square pocket or purse which is made to contain the corporal, chalice veil, and often extra purificators. It is placed over the veiled chalice and paten on the altar. It is usually the same material and colour as the chalice veil.
Buttress A projecting mass of brickwork or masonry built into or against a wall to give additional strength and support.
Cable moulding Norman moulding imitating a twisted cord.
Calvary A depiction of the Crucifixion of Christ usually sculptured and in the open.
Campanile An isolated bell tower.
Candlesnuffer An instrument for extinguishing lighted candles.
Canopy Projection or hood over an altar, pulpit, niche, statue, etc.
Capital Head of top part of a column.
Cartouche Tablet with an ornate frame, usually enclosing an inscription.
Caryatid Whole female figure supporting an entablature or other similar member.
Cassock A buttoned gown worn by clergy, choirs and monks.
Castellated Decorated with battlements.
Catafalque A platform or stage erected to receive a coffin, frequently found in crematoria.
Cathedra The bishop’s chair or throne, originally positioned in the centre of the apse, behind the high altar (as in Norwich Cathedral). It is now usually positioned on the south side of the Quire. The ‘throne’ is one of the oldest and most important symbols of a bishop’s authority.
Cathedral The church which contains the ‘throne’ or official seat of the bishop of the diocese and is therefore the principal church of the diocese, or its ‘mother church’.
Celure Panelled and adorned part of a wagon roof above the rood or the altar.
Cemetery A place set apart for burial of the dead, not necessarily attached to a church. When a churchyard cemetery has been closed without further internments, the Local Authority can be required to take over maintenance.
Cenotaph A memorial to persons buried elsewhere.
Censer Vessel for the burning of incense. Also called Thurible.
Centering Wooden framework used in arch and vault construction and removed when the mortar has set.
Chalice Cup used in the Communion service or at Mass.
Chalice veil A silk square veil with matching burse, used to cover the empty chalice.
Chancel Originally applied to the part of the church immediately around the altar, now known as the sanctuary and often enclosed by lattice-work or screen. It is now taken to include the whole area in the main body of the church east of the nave and transepts.
Chancelarch Arch at the west end of the chancel.
Chancelstep The step beneath the chancel arch, where the Sacrament of Confirmation is administered.
Chandelier A hanging light comprising a central shaft with balls, top and pendant finials and two or three tiers of curving branches.
Chantry chapel Chapel attached to, or inside a church endowed for the saying of masses for the soul of the founder or some other individual.
Chapel The Frankish Kings preserved the cloak of St Martin of Tours (died AD 397) as a sacred relic, which was carried before them into battle. The cloak was kept in a sanctuary in the care of capellanie or ‘chaplains’. The word was later used to describe any sanctuary or holy place, and finally any building used for worship, not being a church. Frequently used to describe non-conformist places of worship.
Chapel Royal A private chapel attached to a royal court (e.g. Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle, Sandringham). In England these chapels are not subject to the jurisdiction of the bishop, but to the Dean of the Chapels Royal.
Chapter-house A building attached to a cathedral or monastery in which meetings of the chapter are held. The name derives from the custom of monks gathering together to read a chapter (or passage) from the Bible or other sacred books.
Chasuble A large, oval-shaped vestment (eucharistic) of linen or silk, either plain or coloured, without sleeves, worn over the alb, with an opening in the centre to go over the head of the celebrant.
Chevet French term for the east end of a church (chancel, ambulatory, and radiating chapels).
Chevron Norman moulding forming a zigzag as found on the pillars of Durham Cathedral.
Choir That part of the church where divine service is sung. Usually found at the east end and often separated from the nave by a screen.
Church A building for public Christian worship.
Churchwardens’ staves Staffs carried by churchwardens as symbols of their authority.
Churchyard The enclosed piece of ground in which a church stands. The churchyard of most older churches was also the burial ground for the parish.
Ciborium A baldachino, or a covered vessel used for bread wafers at the Eucharist. Distinguishable from a cup or chalice by the rim or ledge (bezel) on which the cover rests.
Cinquefoil see Foil.
Cist A coffin or burial chamber made from stone or a ‘hallowed’ tree. First appears in Late Neolithic times. It continued to be used in the Early Christian period.
Classic Here used to mean the moment of highest achievement of a style.
Classical Here used as the term for Greek and Roman architecture and any subsequent styles inspired by it.
Clerestory Upper storey of the nave walls of a church, pierced by windows which let in light to the central parts of the building.
Cloister A covered walk or arcade in a monastery, cathedral or large church which serves as a means of access between the various buildings. Sometimes used as a place of exercise or study, it often runs round a quadrangle, with a plain wall on one side, and a series of windows or a colonnade on the other.
Coade stone Artificial (cast) stone made in the late C18 and the early C19 by Coade and Sealy in London.
Cob Walling material made of mixed clay and straw.
Coffering Decorating a ceiling with sunk square or polygonal ornamental panels.
Collegiate Church A church which is endowed for a chapter or college of priests.
Colonnade Range of columns.
Colonnette Small column.
Column A round pillar with base, shaft and capital supporting the entablature. See Figure 1 (ii).
Columna rostrata Column decorated with carved prows of ships to celebrate a naval victory.
Composite see Order.
Confessional box The stall or box in a church in which a priest hears confession.
Consecration The solemn act of setting apart for Divine service churches, and certain things within them, eg altars, Eucharistic vessels, fonts. In the event of closure or deconsecration such items must be removed or destroyed.
Console Bracket with a compound curved outline, or the frame of an organ containing the keyboard and stops.
Cope A long semi-circular cloak of silk or other rich material, white or varying in colour according to the church season, worn over the alb or surplice by some priests and bishops.
Coping Capping or covering to a wall.
Corbel Block of stone projecting from a wall, supporting some feature on its horizontal top surface, often decorated with a face.
Corbeltable Series of corbels, occurring just below the roof eaves externally or internally, often seen in Norman buildings.
Corinthian see Order.
Cornice In classical architecture the top section of the entablature. Also the term for a projecting decorative feature along the top of a wall, arch, etc.
Corporal A napkin of linen embroidered with a cross on the front. It is spread on the altar over the fair linen, and the communion vessels are placed on it.
Cove, coving Concave undersurface in the nature of a hollow moulding but on a larger scale.
Cover paten Cover to a communion cup, suitable for use as a paten or plate for the consecrated bread.
Cradle roof see Wagon roof.
Credence A small side table or recess, usually placed in the south of the sanctuary near the altar to hold the bread, wine and water to be used at the Eucharist.
Crenellation see Battlement
Crest, Cresting Ornamental finish along the top of a screen.
Crinkle-Crankle wall Undulating wall.
Crocket, Crocketing Decorative features placed on the sloping sides of spires, pinnacles, gables etc., in Gothic architecture, carved in various leaf shapes and placed at regular intervals.
Cromlech Word of Celtic origin still occasionally used of single free-standing stones ascribed to the Neolithic or Bronze Age periods.
Crosier or Crozier A bishop’s pastoral staff, a symbol of leadership and pastoral authority. Also refers to the chaplain or person who carries the bishop’s cross or pastoral staff.
Cross An upright stake with a transverse bar on which criminals were put to death, being nailed by hands and feet. Jesus Christ suffered death in this way, so the Cross has become the universal symbol of all those who follow him. There are many variations in shape e.g. Latin, Maltese, Celtic, Saltire.
Crossing Space at the intersection of nave, chancel, and transepts.
Cross-windows Windows with one mullion and one transom.
Crucifix A cross with the figure of Christ fixed to it. Many are found in churches. Small crucifixes are often worn on the person.
Cruciform In the shape of a cross. Many medieval and later churches were built in the shape of a cross for symbolic reasons.
Cruck A method of timber framing by which the ridge beam is supported by pairs of curved timbers extending from floor to ridge.
Crypt Underground room usually below the east end of a church.
Cupola Small polygonal or circular domed turret crowning a roof.
Curtilage The piece of ground attached to a church and recognised as an integral part of it. See churchyard.
Cushion capital see Block Capital.
Cusp Projecting point between the foils in a foiled Gothic arch.
Dado Decorative covering of the lower part of a wall.
Dais Raised platform at one end of a room.
Dalmatic A vestment or tunic of rectangular shape of rich material (usually matching the material of the chasuble), worn by a deacon at a high celebration of the Eucharist. It is worn over the alb.
Decorated The style of English Gothic architecture prevalent during the C14.
Demi-columns Columns half sunk into a wall.
Diaper work Surface decoration composed of square or lozenge shapes.
Diocletian window Semi-circular, with two mullions.
Dome The roof of a cathedral or church in the form of a rounded vault (e.g. St Paul’s Cathedral, London).
Donjon see Keep.
Doric see Order.
Dormer window Window placed vertically in the sloping plane of a roof.
Dorsal or Dossal A piece of cloth, often embroidered, which is sometimes hung at the back of an altar in place of a reredos.
Dorter A dormitory especially in a monastery which often gave direct access to the church for the night office (e.g. Durham Cathedral).
Dossal see Dorsal.
Drape A cloth of rich texture which covers the whole altar shaped to fall in graceful folds.
Dripstone see Hoodmould.
Drum Circular or polygonal vertical wall of a dome or cupola.
E. E. ‘Early English’: historical division of English Gothic architecture roughly covering the C13.
Easter Garden A representation of Calvary with three crosses and a path leading to the Empty Tomb. It is placed in a church on Easter Eve and remains to the end of the Easter octave.
East Sepulchre Recess with tomb-chest usually in the wall of a chancel, the tomb-chest to receive an effigy of Christ for Easter celebrations.
Eaves Overhanging edge of a roof.
Eaves Cornice Cornice below the eaves of a roof.
Echinus Convex or projecting moulding supporting the abacus of a Greek Doric Capital, sometimes bearing an egg and dart pattern.
Effigy A likeness, portrait or image, usually of a deceased person and sculptured in stone.
Elevation The vertical plane of a building.
Embattled see Battlement.
Embrasure Small opening in the wall or parapet of a fortified building, usually splayed on the inside.
Encaustic Tiles Earthenware glazed and decorated tiles used for paving.
Engaged Columns Columns attached to, or partly sunk into, a wall.
Entablature In classical architecture the whole of the horizontal members above a column.
Entasis Very slight convex deviation from a straight line, used on Greek columns and sometimes on spires to prevent an optical illusion of concavity.
Entresol see Mezzanine.
Escutcheon Shield for armorial bearings.
Eucharistic vestments The special vestments worn in celebrating the Eucharist.
Ewer A large pitcher often made in metal, used to carry the water to be used in Baptism to the font.
Exedra The apsidal end of a room. See Apse.
Fair linen The altar cloth, a long linen cloth covering the altar and hanging over the ends, often embroidered with five crosses. In the plural the term is often applied to all linens used in the Eucharist.
Faldstool A movable folding stool or desk at which worshippers can kneel.
Fan-vault A type of vault or arched roof of stone in which the length and curvature of the ribs, which spring from the same point, are similar, thus giving the impression of the ribs of a fan.
Feretory Place behind the high altar where the chief shrine of a church is kept; container for a Saint’s relics.
Festoon Carved garland of flowers and fruit suspended at both ends.
Fillet Narrow flat band running down a shaft or along a roll moulding.
Finial Top of a canopy, gable, or pinnacle. The word can also be used to describe the ornamental wood-work which forms the end of an open seat in church.
Flagon Jug shaped vessel for the wine used in the Communion service.
Flamboyant Properly the latest phase of French gothic architecture where the window tracery takes on wavy undulating lines.
Fleche Slender spire on the centre of a roof. Also called Spirelet.
Fleuron Decorative carved flower or leaf.
Flushwork Decorative use of flint in conjunction with dressed stone so as to form patterns, tracery, initials, etc.
Fluting Vertical channelling in the shaft of a column.
Foil Lobe formed by the cusping of a circle or an arch.
Foliated Carved with leaf shapes.
Font The receptacle for the water used in Baptism.
Frater Refectory or dining hall of a monastery.
Fresco Wall painting on wet plaster.
Frieze Middle division of a classical entablature.
Frontal Covering for the front of an altar. The frontal is usually richly embroidered with sacred motifs. They are often changeable to enable them to agree with the liturgical colour of the season or day.
Gadrooned Enriched with a series of convex ridges, the opposite of fluting.
Galilee Chapel or vestibule usually at the west end of a church enclosing the porch. Also called Narthex.
Gallery In church architecture upper storey above an aisle, opened in arches to the nave. Also called Tribune.
Garderobe Lavatory or privy in a medieval building.
Gargoyle Water spout projecting from the parapet of a wall or tower, carved into a human or animal shape.
Gothic The name given to the pointed style of architecture prevalent in W. Europe from C13-C15.
Graffiti See Sgraffito
Groin Sharp edge at the meeting of two cells of a cross-vault.
Grotesque Fanciful ornamental decoration. See also Arabesque.
Guild Church The church, often in London, used by a guild as its spiritual base. Guilds are benevolent societies existing for the mutual aid among its members or for the prosecution of some common purpose. They originated in medieval associations of craftsmen or merchants.
Hagioscope see Squint.
Hall church A church in which nave and aisles are of approximately equal height.
Hammerbeam roof Late Gothic form of roof without a direct tie.
Hatchment A large, often diamond shaped, tablet of stone, marble or wood, depicting the armorial bearings of a deceased person, often found in churches.
Hassock A cushion for kneeling in churches.
Hexastyle Having six detached columns.
High altar The main altar of a church in the centre of the east end.
Holy table An altar.
Hoodmould Projecting moulding above an arch or a lintel to throw off water. Also called Dripstone or Label.
Icon A flat portrayal, usually on wood of the Lord, the Blessed Virgin Mary or other saints. Used and venerated principally in the Eastern Orthodox Churches.
Iconography The science of the subject matter or works of the visual arts.
Impost Bracket in a wall, usually formed of mouldings, on which the ends of an arch rest.
Indent Shape chiselled out in a stone slab to receive a brass.
Incense boat A receptacle for incense before being placed in the censer.
Inglenook Bench or seat built in beside a fireplace, sometimes covered by the chimneybreast, occasionally lit by small windows on each side of the fire.
Intercolumniation The space between columns.
Ionic see Order.
Jamb Straight side of an archway, doorway, or window.
Jesse window A church window based in design on the descent of Christ from the royal line of the Old Testament’s King David. In most instances it shows a tree springing from and beginning with Jesse, the father of David, and ending with Jesus or the Blessed Virgin Mary with the Holy Child.
Keel moulding Moulding whose outline is in section like that of the keel of a ship
Keystone Middle stone in an arch or a rib-vault.
Kneeler A board attached to the back of a chair or pew for kneeling; a cushion to kneel upon.
Knop A knob-like thickening in the stem of a chalice.
Label see Hoodmould
Label stop Ornamental boss at the end of a hoodmould.
Laced windows Windows pulled visually together by strips, usually in brick or a different colour, which continue vertically the lines of the vertical part of the window surrounds.
Lady chapel A chapel dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, when it forms part of a larger church. Usually situated to the South of the chancel but in Cathedrals and some older churches situated to the East of the high altar.
Lancet window Slender pointed-arched window. See Figure 1 (ii).
Lantern In architecture, a small circular or polygonal turret with windows all round crowning a roof or a dome.
Lantern cross Churchyard cross with lantern-shaped top usually with sculptured representations on the sides of the top.
Lectern A reading or singing desk in church, but especially the desk on which the Bible stands. Normally made in wood or metal, and often ornately carved or moulded.
Lent array Altar, frontals and vestments used during the season of Lent and usually made from unbleached linen.
Lesene or Pilaster strip Pilaster without base or capital.
Light The perpendicular division of a mullioned window.
Linenfold Tudor panelling ornamented with a conventional representation of a piece of linen laid in vertical folds. The piece is repeated in each panel.
Lintel Horizontal beam or stone bridging an opening.
Litany desk A kneeling desk usually placed in front of the nave.
Loggia Recessed colonnade.
Lozenge A diamond-shaped shield on which the arms of a spinster or widow are emblazoned. Often found in churches or chapels which have connections with noble families.
Lucarne Small opening to let light in.
Lunette Tympanum or semicircular opening.
Lych gate Wooden gate structure with a roof and open sides placed at the entrance to a churchyard to provide space for the reception of a coffin. The word ‘lych’ is Saxon and means a corpse.
Majolica Ornamented glazed earthenware.
Mathematical tiles Small facing tiles the size of brick headers, most often applied to timber-framed walls to make them appear brick-built.
Memorial A sculpture, tablet or plate erected in a church in memory of a person or persons who had some connection with the church.
Mensa The flat stone which forms the top of an altar.
Merlons see Battlement.
Mezzanine Low storey placed between two higher ones. Also called Entresol.
Minster Either, originally, any monastic establishment or its church or a large or important church, e.g. cathedrals - York, Southwell, Lincoln: churches - Beverley, Wimborne. The word is used of those churches from which, in Saxon times, before the proliferation of parish churches, priests went out to evangelise the surrounding area.
Miserere see Misericord.
Misericord Bracket placed on the underside of a hinged choir stall seat which, when turned up provided the occupant of the seat with a support during long periods of standing. Also called Miserere.
Missal stand A book rest for use on the altar.
Mitre A traditional and ceremonial headpiece worn by a bishop.
Modillion Small bracket of which large numbers (modillion frieze) are often placed below a cornice in classical architecture.
Monastery A religious community of men (monks) who have taken the monastic vows of obedience, poverty and celibacy.
Monstrance A transparent receptacle in which the Host is exposed to the congregation in certain churches.
Monument A stone or other structure placed over a grave or in a church in memory of a dead person.
Morse A metal clasp used to fasten a cope or cape at the front.
Mouchette A tracery motif.
Mourners see Weepers.
Mullions Vertical posts or uprights dividing a window into ‘lights’.
Muntin Post as a rule moulded and part of a screen.
Narthex Enclosed vestibule or covered porch at the main entrance to a church (also see Galilee).
Nave The body of a church, excluding chancel, choir, baptistery and aisles, which is assigned to the laity.
Nave altar The altar which stands at the head of the nave. Nave altars have become more common recently and help to draw attention to the partnership of worship between clergy and laity by breaking down the barriers of distance and separation.
Newel Central post in a circular or winding staircase. Also refers to the principal post when a flight of stairs meets a landing.
Nook-shaft Shaft set in the angle of a pier or respond or wall, or the angle of the jamb of a window or doorway.
Norman Architectural style also termed English Romanesque of C11 & C12.
Nutmeg moulding Consisting of a chain of tiny triangles placed obliquely.
Obelisk Lofty pillar of square section tapering at the top and ending pyramidally.
Open pediment see Pediment
Oratory Small private chapel in a house.
Order In classical architecture, column with base, shaft, capital and entablature according to one of the following styles: Greek Doric, Roman Doric, Tuscan Doric, Ionic, Corinthian, Composite. See figure 1(ii).
Organ A musical instrument played from a keyboard producing tonal quality considered appropriate for use in services of public worship. Pipe organs are often housed in elaborate cases and may have a detached console. Harmoniums and electronic organs may be found in smaller churches.
Ovolo Convex moulding.
Pall A cloth, usually of black, purple or white material, spread over a coffin.
Palladian Architecture following the ideas and principles of Andrea Palladio, 1508-80.
Pantile Tile of curved S-shaped section.
Parapet Low wall placed to protect any spot where there is a sudden drop, for example on a bridge, quay, hillside, housetop etc.
Parclose A screen or set of railings, usually at the east end of an aisle, enclosing a chantry altar for requiem masses.
Pargetting Plaster work with patterns and ornaments either in relief or engraved on it.
Parish church In England, the church serving an area under the spiritual care of a member of the church of England’s clergy to whose religious ministrations all its inhabitants are entitled.
Parvis Originally the court in front of a cathedral or large church. Later, the portico of a church porch.
Paschal candle The candle placed on a large separate candlestick on the north side of the sanctuary, the lighting of which takes place during the Easter vigil on Easter Eve.
Paten Plate to hold the bread at Communion or Mass.
Patera Small flat circular or oval ornament in classical architecture.
Peal Either a set of bells, usually 6, 8 or 10 hung in the belfry of a church, or the sound made by ringing a set of bells usually in a series of ‘changes’ which achieve a changing pattern of sound.
Pectoral cross A large cross of precious metal hanging from a chain around the neck of a bishop. Smaller crosses now worn by other clergy are often called by the same name.
Pediment Low-pitched gable used in classical, Renaissance and neo-classical architecture above a portico and above doors, windows etc.
Pendentive Concave triangular spandrel used to lead from the angle of two walls to the base of a circular dome.
Perpendicular Historical division of English gothic architecture covering the period of c.1335-50 to c.1530.
Pew A fixed wooden bench providing seating for the congregation.
Pier Strong, solid support, frequently square in section or of composite section (compound pier).
Pieta A picture or sculpture of the Virgin Mary holding the dead body of Christ.
Pietra dura Ornamental or scenic inlay by means of thin slabs of stone.
Pillar A free-standing vertical structure of stone or wood, slender in proportion relative to its height, which acts as a support, e.g. of an arch. It is often decorated or ornamented.
Pillar piscina Free-standing piscina on a pillar.
Pinnacle Ornamental form crowning a spire, tower, buttress, etc., usually of steep pyramidal, conical, or some similar shape.
Piscina Basin for washing the Communion or Mass vessels, provided with a drain. Generally set in or against the wall to the south of an altar.
Plate tracery see Tracery
Plinth Projecting base of a wall or column, generally chamfered or moulded at the top.
Poppyhead Ornament of leaf and flower type used to decorate the tops of bench or stall-ends.
Porch The covered approach to the entrance of a church.
Portico Centrepiece of a house or of a church, with classical detached or attached columns and a pediment.
Postern Small gateway at the back of a building.
Predella In an altarpiece the horizontal strip or shelf below the main representation, often used for a number of subsidiary representations in a row. Also the term for the step on which the altar stands.
Presbytery The part of the church lying east of the choir. It is the part where the altar is placed. Also the name usually applied to a Roman Catholic clergy house.
Pricket A stand containing one or more upright spikes on which to fix votive candles.
Prie-Dieu A kneeling desk.
Priory Monastic house whose head is a prior or prioress, not an abbot or abbess. The title is also given to churches which formerly served such houses.
Processional Cross A cross mounted on a pole and carried at the head of a procession in church.
Prostyle With free-standing columns in a row in front of a building.
Pulpit An elevated stand of stone or wood for the preacher or reader. Pulpits came into use in the later Middle Ages.
Pulpit Fall The piece of cloth, often embroidered or with sacred symbols, which hangs from the pulpit desk.
Pulpitum Stone screen with gallery in a major church provided to shut off the choir from the nave and also as a backing for the return choir stalls.
Pulvinated frieze Frieze with a bold convex moulding.
Purificator A small linen napkin used to wipe or cleanse the chalice after the celebration of the Eucharist.
Purlin A horizontal beam, one, two, or more, running along the length of a roof to support the rafters or roof boards.
Putto Small naked boy e.g., cherub.
Pyx A small receptacle or case used to carry the consecrated bread and wine of Communion to the sick.
Pyx, hanging A pyx of precious metal containing the reserved sacrament hung in the centre of the chancel above the altar.
Quarry In stained-glass work, a small diamond or square-shaped piece of glass set diagonally.
Quire see Choir.
Quoins Dressed stones at the angles of a building. Sometimes all the stones are of the same size, more often they are alternately large and small.
Radiating chapels Chapels projecting radially from an ambulatory or an apse.
Rafter A sloping beam which forms part of the framework on which the roof-covering is held.
Rebate Continuous rectangular notch cut on an edge.
Recusant chalice Chalice made after the Reformation and before Catholic emancipation for Roman Catholic use.
Reeding Decoration with parallel mouldings touching one another.
Refectory Dining hall.
Registers The books in which details of services, baptisms, confirmations, marriages and burials are kept for reference purposes. Old registers may be deposited in the local Public Records Office.
Relics Part of a saint’s body or belongings kept after death as an object of reverence.
Reliquary A receptacle for relics. One of the most famous examples is the shrine of the Three Kings in Cologne Cathedral in Germany.
Rendering Plastering of an outer wall.
Repousse Decoration of metal work by relief designs, formed by beating the metal from the back.
Reredos Structure behind and above an altar.
Respond Half-pier bonded into a wall and carrying one end of an arch.
Retable Altarpiece, a picture or piece of carving, standing behind and attached to an altar or standing on the predella.
Reticulation see Tracery.
Retrochoir The area in a cathedral or large church behind the high altar.
Reveal That part of a jamb which lies between the glass or door and the outer surface of the wall.
Rib-vault A vault which has ribs in wood or stone projecting along its groins.
Riddel Curtains hung between riddel-posts at the sides and back of an altar.
Ringing floor, ringing chamber The place or room in a belfry or church tower where the bell-ringers stand to peal the bells.
Rococo Latest phase of the Baroque style, current in most Continental countries between c.1720 and c.1760 with lavish decoration.
Roll moulding Moulding of semicircular or more than semicircular section.
Romanesque That style in architecture which was current in the C11 and C12 and preceded the Gothic style (in England often called Norman).
Rood A cross or a crucifix above a beam or a chancel screen separating the chancel from the nave.
Rood- loft Singing gallery on the top of the rood- screen, often supported by a coving.
Rood-screen A grill or open lattice of carved wood, stone, or wrought iron, between the nave and the chancel, surmounted by a crucifix or a rood. If without a rood often called the chancel screen.
Rood-stairs Stairs to give access to the rood-loft.
Rose window Circular window with patterned tracery arranged to radiate from the centre. Also known as a wheel-window.
Sacrarium The sanctuary of a church. The word originates in the Roman custom of setting a room in a house apart as a shrine for the household gods.
Sacristy A room in a church or chapel for keeping the sacred vessels and for the vesting of the clergy.
Saddle-back A tower roof with two opposite gables.
Saltire cross Equal-limbed cross placed diagonally.
Sanctuary (i) Area around the main altar of a church (ii) Sacred site consisting of wood or stone uprights enclosed by a circular bank and ditch.
Sanctuary lamps Lamps usually suspended in front of the altar.
Sarcophagus Elaborately carved coffin.
Scagliola Material composed of cement and colouring matter to imitate marble.
Scalloped capital Development of the block capital in which the single semicircular surface is elaborated into a series of truncated cones.
Sedilia Seats for the priests (usually three) on the south side of the chancel of a church.
Sgraffito Pattern incised into plaster so as to expose a dark surface underneath.
Shaft The part of a column between the capital and the base.
Shrine Originally meant the chest or box holding the relics of saints. It is now more commonly used either of sacred images kept in a church or of any holy place, especially those connected with pilgrimages.
Slype A passage from a cathedral transept to a chapter house or deanery.
Soffit Underside of an arch, lintel, etc. Also called Archivolt.
Sounding board Horizontal board or canopy over a pulpit. Also called Tester.
Spandrel Triangular surface between one side of an arch, the horizontal drawn from its apex, and the vertical drawn from its springer; also the surface between two arches.
Spire Tall pyramidal or conical pointed erection often building on top of a tower, turret, etc.
Spirelet see Fleche.
Springing Level at which an arch rises from its supports.
Squinch Arch or system of concentric arches thrown across the angle between two walls to support a superstructure, for example a dome.
Squint A hole cut in a wall or through a pier to allow a view of the main altar of a church from places where it could otherwise not be seen. Also called Hagioscope.
Stained glass Transparent coloured glass used in church windows to produce a picture or design. The colouring is achieved not by painting but by impregnation.
Stall Carved seat, one of a row, made of wood or stone.
Stations of the Cross A series of fourteen pictures or carvings depicting incidents in the last journey of Jesus Christ - from Pontius Pilate’s house to the placing of Christ in the tomb. They are used for devotional purposes, especially in Lent and Passiontide, and are commonly arranged round the walls of a church.
Steeple The tower of a church together with a spire.
Stile The principle uprights in a screen.
Stole A long narrow band of silk, fringed at the ends and often embroidered. Worn by clergy.
Stoup Vessel for the reception of holy water, usually placed near a door.
Strainer arch Arch inserted across a room to prevent the walls from leaning.
Strapwork C16 decoration consisting of interlaced bands, and forms similar to fretwork or cut and bent leather.
String course Projecting horizontal band or moulding set in the surface of a wall.
Stucco Plaster work.
Superfrontal A covering which hangs over the upper edge of an altar frontal.
Surplice A loose wide sleeved linen vestment worn by clergy and choirs.
Swag Festoon formed by a carved piece of cloth suspended from both ends.
Tabernacle Richly ornamented niche or free-standing canopy. Usually contains the Holy Sacrament.
Tablet A small stone slab, usually placed on the wall of a church, with an inscription commemorating a dead person or persons.
Tarsia Inlay in various woods.
Telemones see Atlantes
Terminal figures Upper part of a human figure growing out of a pier, pilaster etc. which tapers towards the base.
Terrier and Inventory The detailed list of lands, goods and ornaments belonging to a parish church. Every Church of England parish is required to hold and maintain this.
Tester see Sounding Board.
Tetrastyle Having four detached columns.
Three-decker pulpit Pulpit with clerk’s stall below and reading desk below the clerk’s stall.
Thurible A censer or vessel used for burning incense.
Tie beam The lowest member of a roof truss from wall plate to wall plate.
Tomb-chest A chest-shaped stone coffin, the most usual medieval form of funeral monument.
Tourelle Turret corbelled out from the wall.
Tower A tall, usually square, structure forming part of a church. Many churches have one or more towers at their west end. Many cathedrals and large churches have a tower above the crossing.
Tracery Intersecting ribwork in the upper part of a window, or used decoratively in blank arches, on vaults etc. See Figure 1 (ii).
Transept Transverse portion of a cross-shaped church.
Transom Horizontal bar across the openings of a window.
Tribune see Gallery.
Triciput, Signum Triciput Sign of the Trinity expressed by three faces belonging to one head.
Triforium A gallery forming an upper story over an aisle.
Triptych A picture or carving on three panels, side by side, and often hinged to allow closure. A triptych is often placed behind an altar to form a reredos.
Trumeau Stone mullion supporting the tympanum of a wide doorway.
Truss A supporting beam.
Turret Very small tower, round or polygonal in plan.
Tympanum Space between the lintel of a doorway and the arch above it.
Undercroft Vaulted room, sometimes underground, below a church or chapel.
Vault An arched covering in brick, stone or wood.
Venetian window Window with three openings, the central one arched and wider than the outside ones. Current in England chiefly in the C17-18.
Verger’s wand A rod, often with decorated head, carried by vergers as a symbol of their authority.
Vesica Oval with pointed head and foot.
Vestibule Anteroom or entrance hall.
Vestments Any ecclesiastical garments used by clergy, choirs etc.
Vestry 1. The room attached to a church in which vestments are kept, and in which the clergy or choir robe. 2. In some sections of the Anglican church (including Ireland & Scotland) the official governing body of a parish.
Vitrified Made similar to glass.
Vitruvian opening A door or window which diminishes towards the top.
Voussoir Wedge-shaped stone used in arch construction.
Wafer box A box, of wood or metal, which contains the wafers to be used at the Eucharist.
Wagon roof Roof in which by closely set rafters with arched braces the appearance of the inside of a canvas tilt over a wagon is achieved. Wagon roofs can be panelled or plastered (ceiled) or left uncove
red. Also called Cradle roof.
Wall plate The horizontal timber which extends lengthwise along the top of a wall immediately under a timber roof.
Weathercock A revolving pointer, often in the shape of a cockerel, mounted on church spires to show the wind direction. Also called Weathenvane.
Weathenvane see Weathercock.
Weathering Sloped horizontal surface on sills, buttresses etc., to throw off water.
Weepers Small figures placed in niches along the sides of some medieval tombs. Also called Mourners.
Wheel window A circular window with tracery radiating from the centre. Also known as a rose-window.
