undercroft

[ uhn-der-krawft, -kroft ]

noun

1. a vault or chamber under the ground, especially in a church.

undercroft

/ ˈʌndəˌkrɒft /

noun

1. an underground chamber, such as a church crypt, often with a vaulted ceiling

Word History and Origins

Origin of undercroft¹

Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400; under, croft ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of undercroft¹

C14: from croft a vault, cavern, from earlier crofte, ultimately from Latin crypta crypt

Example Sentences

Undercroft, un′dėr-kroft, n. a vault under the choir or chancel of a church: a vault or secret walk underground.

From Project Gutenberg

The ancient history of this undercroft is unknown, and merely a matter for conjecture.

From Project Gutenberg

The canopy is gone, but fragments of it are in the undercroft of the chapter-house.

From Project Gutenberg

One, which is generally called a lantern, was till lately hung in the undercroft.

From Project Gutenberg

Two heavy wooden doors at the entrance leave no doubt as to the purpose for which the undercroft was built.

From Project Gutenberg