cancellus

[ kan-sel-uhs ]

noun,plural can·cel·li [kan-sel-ahy, -sel-ee]. /kænˈsɛl aɪ, -ˈsɛl i/. Architecture.
  1. (in an early Christian basilica) one of a row of bars separating the clergy and sometimes the choir from the congregation.

  2. (in an ancient Roman basilica) one of a row of bars separating the court personnel from the spectators.

  1. cancelli, a screen of such bars.

Origin of cancellus

1
<Latin, equivalent to canc() 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