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Glite Dictionary
parvis

parvis

9.9
An open space in front of a church where people gather before entering
  • noun
  • /ˈpɑːrvɪs/
  • Archaic
translation icon : parvis
  • The architect designed a spacious parvis with benches and flowerbeds leading up to the entrance.

Examples

  • The wedding ceremony took place in the parvis of the old cathedral.

  • Tourists gathered in the parvis to take photographs of the stunning cathedral façade.

  • Musicians performed in the parvis as people entered the church for the evening service.

  • Visitors gathered in the parvis before entering the church.

  • The bride stood nervously in the parvis of the cathedral, waiting for the ceremony to begin.

  • Tourists often gather in the parvis of the old church to admire its beautiful architecture.

  • Children played happily in the sunny parvis outside the cathedral after the service.

Synonyms

court
vsparvis
121 2.7

An open area surrounded by buildings or walls, often inside a larger building

is the church entrance space specifically near the doorway rather than any open area
narthex
vsparvis
  • Specialized
1 9.9

An entrance area at the front of a church, separate from the main room behind a wall or doors

is an open forecourt at the entrance rather than an enclosed porch

How Big

square
417 1.0
forecourt
1 6.0
parvis
  • Archaic
9.9
porch
426 1.0

Surface Forms

parvis singular
parvises plural

Etymology

The word parvis comes from Old French parvis, which comes from Latin paradisus and is related to the English paradise, meaning 'paradise'. Think of the church forecourt as a small 'paradise' or garden before you go inside, and that's why parvis means the open space at a church entrance.