parvis

[ pahr-vis ]

noun

1. a vacant enclosed area in front of a church.
2. a colonnade or portico in front of a church.

parvis

/ ˈpɑːvɪs /

noun

1. a court or portico in front of a building, esp a church

Word History and Origins

Origin of parvis¹

1350–1400; Middle English < Middle French; Old French pare ( v ) is < Late Latin paradīsus church courtyard, originally the one before St. Peter's, Rome. See paradise

Word History and Origins

Origin of parvis¹

C14: via Old French from Late Latin paradīsus paradise

Example Sentences

Robin was convicted of sorcery, and, persevering in his error, was burned alive in the Place du Parvis.

From Project Gutenberg

Parvis's voice seemed to come to her from far off, down endless, fog-muffled windings.

From Project Gutenberg

She nodded at Parvis with the look of triumph of a child who has successfully worked out a difficult puzzle.

From Project Gutenberg

Parvis, at Mary's first startled cry, had thrown her a sobering glance through his impartial glasses.

From Project Gutenberg

Parvis emitted the statement as unemotionally as a gramophone grinding out its "record."

From Project Gutenberg