retrochoir

[ re-truh-kwahyuhr ]

noun

1. that part of a church behind the choir or the main altar.

retrochoir

/ ˈrɛtrəʊˌkwaɪə /

noun

1. the space in a large church or cathedral behind the high altar

Word History and Origins

Origin of retrochoir¹

From the Medieval Latin word retrōchorus, dating back to 1840–50. See retro-, choir

Example Sentences

The drum roll of its mighty nave builds up to the spectacular retrochoir of double windows and weird sculptures.

From The Guardian

The segmental arch, nearly flat, was still however used in doorways, and occasionally the semicircular also, as in the arches of the Retrochoir, Chichester Cathedral.

From Project Gutenberg

The architecture throughout the retrochoir is Early Decorated.

From Project Gutenberg

An octagonal chamber is transformed within into a pentagonal apse by the simple device of resting the three western sides on piers, and thus throwing it into one building with the retrochoir, thereby considerably enhancing the general artistic effect.

From Project Gutenberg