noun
also par·vise ˈpärvə̇s
( plural parvises )
Etymology: Middle English parvys, from Middle French parvis, parevis parvis, paradise, modification of Late Latin paradisus enclosed park, garden, paradise — more at paradise
1.
a. : a court or an enclosed space before a building (as a church or cathedral) often surrounded by a balustrade or parapet or with colonnades or porticos
b. : a single portico or colonnade before a church : a church porch
2. obsolete : a public and usually academic conference or debate
3. : a room over a church porch