PAVILION

light temporary or semipermanent structure used in gardens and pleasure grounds. Although there are many variations, the basic type is a large, light, airy garden room with a high-peaked roof resembling a canopy. It was originally erected, like the modern canvas marquee, for special occasions such as fetes, garden banquets, and balls, but it became more permanent, and by the late 17th century the word was used for any garden building designed for use on special occasions. Although many ornamental garden pavilions survive in old gardens, the modern use of the name is usually limited to buildings on sports grounds with accommodations for changing clothes and storing equipment. Pavilion has also been used in reference to a tent, a summer residence, a dance hall, a bandstand, an annex or structure connected to a larger building, and one of several buildings making up a complex.