Gothic Terminology

Question 1

Aisle

Answer 1

Space between columns of nave and side wall. Usually on either side of nave.

Question 2

Apse

Answer 2

Semi-circular/polygonal end of church. Usually on the eastern end.

Question 3

Arcade

Answer 3

Series of arches

Question 4

Baptistery

Answer 4

A small building separate from main church where rites of Baptism were performed.

Question 5

Belfry

Answer 5

The bell tower

Question 6

Boss

Answer 6

Projecting ornament used to conceal intersections in a vault

Question 7

Buttress

Answer 7

A mass of stone built to support a wall of great height

Question 8

Cathedral

Answer 8

Principle church of a province where the throne of the bishop is placed. Always faces West.

Question 9

Chancel

Answer 9

Part of altar for clergy or choir

Question 10

Chapels

Answer 10

Recesses on side of aisles

Question 11

Chevet

Answer 11

Includes ambulatory and chapels

Question 12

Choir

Answer 12

Area of main altar where services are sung

Question 13

Choir screen

Answer 13

Decorated screen that separated choir from rest of cathedral

Question 14

Cinquefoil

Answer 14

In tracery, it’s 5 pendants in a circular ring. Usually applied to windows and panels.

Question 15

Clerestory

Answer 15

The upper stores of a church where it rises above the aisle roof. Have window openings.

Question 16

Compound pier

Answer 16

A pier with smaller columns attached to it. Ribs usually join to form pier

Question 17

Crossing

Answer 17

Intersection of nave, transepts and chancel

Question 18

Crypt

Answer 18

Area below church traditionally reserved for burial chambers

Question 19

Fan tracery vaulting

Answer 19

A system of ceiling vaulting with all ribs having the same curve, resembling folds of a fan

Question 20

Finial

Answer 20

The top or finishing stone of a pinnacle

Question 21

Flying buttress

Answer 21

A buttress arched over at top to engage with a main wall. A principle feature. Resists lateral thrust of a vault.

Question 22

Gargoyle

Answer 22

A stone spout usually carved in shape of an animal or demon and connected to a gutter for diverting rain water from roof.

Question 23

Grotesque

Answer 23

A carving usually of a demon, dragon, 0.5 animal 0.5 human which sources no utilitarian purpose.

Question 24

Ambulatory

Answer 24

Circular aisle around apse and behind altar

Question 25

Jamb

Answer 25

The stones forming the side of a door or window

Question 26

Jamb figures

Answer 26

Located on either side of main portal door; the first figures seen when entering a gothic cathedral.

Question 27

Keystone

Answer 27

Central stone of an arch that locks other units in place

Question 28

Lancet arch

Answer 28

A gothic pointed arch usually applied to long, narrow slender windows.

Question 29

Light

Answer 29

A window opening

Question 30

Mullions

Answer 30

Stone dividing a window into two or more lights

Question 31

Narthex

Answer 31

Porch or room leading into the church

Question 32

Nave

Answer 32

The main body of a church or cathedral. Sometimes divined as the central aisle only.

Question 33

Niche

Answer 33

A recess in a wall for the reception of a statue

Question 34

Oculus

Answer 34

A small circular or eye shaped window

Question 35

Pier

Answer 35

A large free-standing pillar which is rectangular or square

Question 36

Pinnacle

Answer 36

A slender pointed summit placed on top of a buttress

Question 37

Radiating chapel

Answer 37

A chapel leading off the ambulatory

Question 38

Rib

Answer 38

A convex moulding which divides the compartments of a vault

Question 39

Rose window

Answer 39

A large, circular window with heavily foliated tracery branching out from a common centre

Question 40

Sanctuary

Answer 40

Most sacred part of the church and holds the main altar

Question 41

Steeple

Answer 41

A spire together with the tower supporting it

Question 42

Tracery

Answer 42

Ornamental stonework most often seen supporting window glass in the form of trefoils and cinquefoils.

Question 43

Transept

Answer 43

The north and south projections or “arms” of the cross.

Question 44

Triforium

Answer 44

An arcaded middle level, above the main arcade and below the clerestory. In French building it contains a passage.

Question 45

Tympanum

Answer 45

A panel above the main portal, or doorway, usually heavily decorated

Question 46

Vault

Answer 46

An arched ceiling.