parclose

[ pahr-klohz ]

noun

1. (in a church) a screen dividing one area from another, as a chapel from an aisle.

parclose

/ ˈpɑːˌkləʊz /

noun

1. a screen or railing in a church separating off an altar, chapel, etc

Word History and Origins

Origin of parclose¹

1300–50; Middle English < Middle French, noun use of feminine of parclos, past participle of parclore to enclose fully. See per-, close

Word History and Origins

Origin of parclose¹

C14: from Old French, noun use of past participle of parclore to close off; see per- , close ¹

Example Sentences

To begin with, you think you are watching an animated Powerpoint lecture on church architecture: descriptions of nave and parclose, rood screen and choir, with animated, 3D drawings and still black-and-white closeups of choir stalls; there are ornaments, medieval beasts, foliage and people.

From The Guardian

On the west panel of the northern parclose may be discerned the figures of St. Erconwald and St. Edmund, both members of the royal line of East Anglia.

From Project Gutenberg

"Pardon me, my friend, but I am ignorant as to what you mean by the word parclose."

From Project Gutenberg

Great inconvenience often arises from the exclusive character of the parclose.

From Project Gutenberg

The only entrance is through the great iron parclose or reja at the east.

From Project Gutenberg