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Webster 1913 Edition

Narthex

‖

Nar′thex

,
Noun.
[L., giant fennel, Gr.
νάρθηξ
.]
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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