NARTHEX


Meaning of NARTHEX in English

n.1 a railed-off antechamber or porch etc. at the western entrance of some early Christian churches, used by catechumens, penitents, etc.

2 a similar antechamber in a modern church.

Etymology: L f. Gk narthex giant fennel, stick, casket, narthex

Oxford English vocab.      Оксфордский английский словарь.