chevet

American  

[shuh-vey] / ʃəˈveɪ /

noun

1. an apse, as of a Gothic cathedral.

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chevet British  

/ ʃəˈveɪ /

noun

1. a semicircular or polygonal east end of a church, esp a French Gothic church, often with a number of attached apses

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Etymology

Origin of chevet

1800–10; < French, earlier chevès, Old French chevez ≪ Latin capitium opening or covering for the head. See caput

Example Sentences

Chunks of limestone lay on the ground, having fallen from the upper part of the chevet, or the eastern end of the Gothic church.

From Time • Nov. 29, 2

Toledo is very large, five aisled, and with a vast chevet.

From Architecture Gothic and Renaissance by Smith, T. Roger (Thomas Roger)

Externally the most remarkable feature is the arrangement and decoration of the apside—there is hardly enough of it to come within the classification of the chevet.

From The Cathedrals of Southern France by Mansfield, M. F. (Milburg Francisco)

The chevet or Capilla Mayor, which at first very properly contained the choir, is surrounded by a double ambulatory, outside of which the thick walls are pierced by nine apsidal chapels.

From Cathedrals of Spain by John A.

At the first crossing, on entering the village, keep straight on, then turn to the right as far as the ruined church, with its curious loop-holed chevet.

From Rheims and the Battles for its Possession Illustrated Michelin Guides to the Battle-Fields (1914-1918) by Various