cancellus
[ kan-sel-uhs ]
noun,plural can·cel·li [kan-sel-ahy, -sel-ee]. /kænˈsɛl aɪ, -ˈsɛl i/. Architecture.
(in an early Christian basilica) one of a row of bars separating the clergy and sometimes the choir from the congregation.
(in an ancient Roman basilica) one of a row of bars separating the court personnel from the spectators.
cancelli, a screen of such bars.
Origin of cancellus
1<Latin, equivalent to canc(rī) grating (plural of cancer, apparently dissimilated form of carcer prison) + -ellus diminutive suffix
Words Nearby cancellus
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
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