Flashcards in Gothic Terminology Deck (46)
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1
Aisle
Space between columns of nave and side wall. Usually on either side of nave.
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Apse
Semi-circular/polygonal end of church. Usually on the eastern end.
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Arcade
Series of arches
4
Baptistery
A small building separate from main church where rites of Baptism were performed.
5
Belfry
The bell tower
6
Boss
Projecting ornament used to conceal intersections in a vault
7
Buttress
A mass of stone built to support a wall of great height
8
Cathedral
Principle church of a province where the throne of the bishop is placed. Always faces West.
9
Chancel
Part of altar for clergy or choir
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Chapels
Recesses on side of aisles
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Chevet
Includes ambulatory and chapels
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Choir
Area of main altar where services are sung
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Choir screen
Decorated screen that separated choir from rest of cathedral
14
Cinquefoil
In tracery, it's 5 pendants in a circular ring. Usually applied to windows and panels.
15
Clerestory
The upper stores of a church where it rises above the aisle roof. Have window openings.
16
Compound pier
A pier with smaller columns attached to it. Ribs usually join to form pier
17
Crossing
Intersection of nave, transepts and chancel
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Crypt
Area below church traditionally reserved for burial chambers
19
Fan tracery vaulting
A system of ceiling vaulting with all ribs having the same curve, resembling folds of a fan
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Finial
The top or finishing stone of a pinnacle
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Flying buttress
A buttress arched over at top to engage with a main wall. A principle feature. Resists lateral thrust of a vault.
22
Gargoyle
A stone spout usually carved in shape of an animal or demon and connected to a gutter for diverting rain water from roof.
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Grotesque
A carving usually of a demon, dragon, 0.5 animal 0.5 human which sources no utilitarian purpose.
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Ambulatory
Circular aisle around apse and behind altar
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Jamb
The stones forming the side of a door or window
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Jamb figures
Located on either side of main portal door; the first figures seen when entering a gothic cathedral.
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Keystone
Central stone of an arch that locks other units in place
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Lancet arch
A gothic pointed arch usually applied to long, narrow slender windows.
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Light
A window opening
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Mullions
Stone dividing a window into two or more lights
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Narthex
Porch or room leading into the church
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Nave
The main body of a church or cathedral. Sometimes divined as the central aisle only.
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Niche
A recess in a wall for the reception of a statue
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Oculus
A small circular or eye shaped window
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Pier
A large free-standing pillar which is rectangular or square
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Pinnacle
A slender pointed summit placed on top of a buttress
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Radiating chapel
A chapel leading off the ambulatory
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Rib
A convex moulding which divides the compartments of a vault
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Rose window
A large, circular window with heavily foliated tracery branching out from a common centre
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Sanctuary
Most sacred part of the church and holds the main altar
41
Steeple
A spire together with the tower supporting it
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Tracery
Ornamental stonework most often seen supporting window glass in the form of trefoils and cinquefoils.
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Transept
The north and south projections or "arms" of the cross.
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Triforium
An arcaded middle level, above the main arcade and below the clerestory. In French building it contains a passage.
45
Tympanum
A panel above the main portal, or doorway, usually heavily decorated
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