transenna

[ tran-sen-uh ]

noun

, plural tran·sen·nae [tran-, sen, -ee].

1. (in early Christian architecture) an openwork screen of stone or metal enclosing a shrine.

Word History and Origins

Origin of transenna¹

From the Latin word trā(n)senna net trap for birds

Example Sentences

Transenna, tran-sen′a, n. a lattice-grating for enclosing shrines, as those of martyrs, while yet allowing the coffer to be seen.

From Project Gutenberg

Atque edepol in eas plerumque esca inponitur, Quam siquis avidus poscit escam avariter, Decipitur in transenna avaritia sua.

From Project Gutenberg

Another very curious practice is connected with St. Wilfrid's "needle" at Ripon Cathedral—said to be an imitation of the Basilican transenna.

From Project Gutenberg

Quam si quis avidus pascit escam avariter, Decipitur in transenna avaritia sua.

From Project Gutenberg