narthex n 1: portico at the west end of an early Christian basilica or church 2: a vestibule leading to the nave of a church

narthex 1673, from Late Gk. narthex, from Gk. narthex "giant fennel," from fancied resemblance of porch to a hollow stem. Also used in Gk. to mean "a small case for unguents, etc."

narthex noun Etymology: Late Greek narthēx, from Greek, giant fennel, cane, casket Date: circa 1673 1. the portico of an ancient church 2. a vestibule leading to the nave of a church

narthex
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

narthex 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. [L f. Gk narthex giant fennel, stick, casket, narthex]

Narthex a space in early churches railed off from the rest for catechumens and penitents.

Narthex \Nar"thex\, n. [L., giant fennel, Gr. ?.] 1. (Bot.) A tall umbelliferous plant ({Ferula communis}). See Giant fennel, under Fennel. 2. (Arch.) The portico in front of ancient churches; sometimes, the atrium or outer court surrounded by ambulatories; -- used, generally, for any vestibule, lobby, or outer porch, leading to the nave of a church.

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