parvis

noun par·vis \ˈpär-vəs\

Definition of PARVIS

: a court or enclosed space before a building (as a church)

: a single portico or colonnade before a church

par·vis also par·vise \ˈpär-vəs\

Middle English parvis, from Anglo-French, modification of Late Latin paradisus enclosed park — more at paradise

First Known Use: 14th century

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