Narthex
Pronunciation : Nar"thex
Part of Speech : n.
Etymology : [L., giant fennel, Gr.
Definition : 1. (Bot.)
Defn: A tall umbelliferous plant (Ferula communis). See Giant fennel, under Fennel.
2. (Arch.)
Defn: The portico in front of ancient churches; sometimes, the atrium or outer court surrounded by ambulatories; -- used, generally, for any vestibule, lobby, or outer porch, leading to the nave of a church.
Source : Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913