Gothic Terminology Flashcards
Aisle
Space between columns of nave and side wall. Usually on either side of nave.
Apse
Semi-circular/polygonal end of church. Usually on the eastern end.
Arcade
Series of arches
Baptistery
A small building separate from main church where rites of Baptism were performed.
Belfry
The bell tower
Boss
Projecting ornament used to conceal intersections in a vault
Buttress
A mass of stone built to support a wall of great height
Cathedral
Principle church of a province where the throne of the bishop is placed. Always faces West.
Chancel
Part of altar for clergy or choir
Chapels
Recesses on side of aisles
Chevet
Includes ambulatory and chapels
Choir
Area of main altar where services are sung
Choir screen
Decorated screen that separated choir from rest of cathedral
Cinquefoil
In tracery, it’s 5 pendants in a circular ring. Usually applied to windows and panels.
Clerestory
The upper stores of a church where it rises above the aisle roof. Have window openings.
Compound pier
A pier with smaller columns attached to it. Ribs usually join to form pier
Crossing
Intersection of nave, transepts and chancel
Crypt
Area below church traditionally reserved for burial chambers
Fan tracery vaulting
A system of ceiling vaulting with all ribs having the same curve, resembling folds of a fan
Finial
The top or finishing stone of a pinnacle
Flying buttress
A buttress arched over at top to engage with a main wall. A principle feature. Resists lateral thrust of a vault.
Gargoyle
A stone spout usually carved in shape of an animal or demon and connected to a gutter for diverting rain water from roof.
Grotesque
A carving usually of a demon, dragon, 0.5 animal 0.5 human which sources no utilitarian purpose.
Ambulatory
Circular aisle around apse and behind altar
Jamb
The stones forming the side of a door or window
Jamb figures
Located on either side of main portal door; the first figures seen when entering a gothic cathedral.
Keystone
Central stone of an arch that locks other units in place
Lancet arch
A gothic pointed arch usually applied to long, narrow slender windows.
Light
A window opening
Mullions
Stone dividing a window into two or more lights
Narthex
Porch or room leading into the church
Nave
The main body of a church or cathedral. Sometimes divined as the central aisle only.
Niche
A recess in a wall for the reception of a statue
Oculus
A small circular or eye shaped window
Pier
A large free-standing pillar which is rectangular or square
Pinnacle
A slender pointed summit placed on top of a buttress
Radiating chapel
A chapel leading off the ambulatory
Rib
A convex moulding which divides the compartments of a vault
Rose window
A large, circular window with heavily foliated tracery branching out from a common centre
Sanctuary
Most sacred part of the church and holds the main altar
Steeple
A spire together with the tower supporting it
Tracery
Ornamental stonework most often seen supporting window glass in the form of trefoils and cinquefoils.
Transept
The north and south projections or “arms” of the cross.
Triforium
An arcaded middle level, above the main arcade and below the clerestory. In French building it contains a passage.
Tympanum
A panel above the main portal, or doorway, usually heavily decorated
Vault
An arched ceiling.
