sedilia

British  

/ sɛˈdaɪlɪə /

noun

1. (functioning as singular) the group of three seats, each called a sedile ( sɛˈdaɪlɪ ), often recessed, on the south side of a sanctuary where the celebrant and ministers sit at certain points during High Mass

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Etymology

Origin of sedilia

C18: from Latin, from sedīle a chair, from sedēre to sit

Example Sentences

His pages are peppered with erudite information about north perpendicular windows, Norman towers, triple sedilia and rood-loft doorways, which he appeals to his readers to please "note" and "admire".

From BBC • Aug. 3, 2018

The Reading Desk, on the north, is part of the chancel sedilia; this, with the Lectern, p. 59slightly carved, in front of it, and all the sittings, are of pitch pine, stained.

From A History of Horncastle from the earliest period to the present time by Walter, James Conway

Six of them were used for the sedilia, and the other three are to be found just behind, over the effigy of Dean Howard.

From Bell's Cathedrals: The Cathedral Church of Lichfield A Description of Its Fabric and A Brief History of the Espicopal See by Clifton, A. B.

Half-way between Cambridge and Newmarket, and half a mile from the main road, stands the fine Church of Bottisham, with good Decorated windows, a stone rood screen of Perpendicular work, and noteworthy sedilia and piscina.

From Highways and Byways in Cambridge and Ely by Conybeare, Edward

Below is a handsome Gothic stone seat or sedilia which has for us a great interest in that four little star-shaped lights are let into the back of it, containing late twelfth century medallions.

From Stained Glass Tours in England by Sherrill, Charles Hitchcock