Definition of retrochoir in English:
retrochoir
noun ˈrɛtrəʊˌkwʌɪəˈrɛtroʊˌkwaɪ(ə)r
The interior of a cathedral or large church behind the high altar.
Example sentencesExamples
- The shrine (i.e., box of Swithun's remains) was high on a wall, behind the altar screen, and the barn-like retrochoir behind was built to accommodate the pilgrims who crawled through a small hole beneath the shrine.
- Some of the larger Cathedrals have a retrochoir to the east of the high altar and separated from the sanctuary by a screen or reredos.
Origin
Mid 19th century: from medieval Latin retrochorus (see retro-, choir).
Definition of retrochoir in US English:
retrochoir
nounˈretrōˌkwī(ə)rˈrɛtroʊˌkwaɪ(ə)r
The interior of a cathedral or large church behind the high altar.
Example sentencesExamples
- Some of the larger Cathedrals have a retrochoir to the east of the high altar and separated from the sanctuary by a screen or reredos.
- The shrine (i.e., box of Swithun's remains) was high on a wall, behind the altar screen, and the barn-like retrochoir behind was built to accommodate the pilgrims who crawled through a small hole beneath the shrine.
Origin
Mid 19th century: from medieval Latin retrochorus (see retro-, choir).