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