parvis

Meanings

1. An enclosed courtyard in front of a building, especially a cathedral.
2. A portico surrounding such a space.
3. The porch of a church, or the room over it.

Etymology

From Middle English parvys, parvis, borrowed from Old French parvis, parevis, from Latin paradīsus, from Ancient Greek παράδεισος (parádeisos), ultimately from Proto-Iranian *paridayjah. Used since the Middle Ages to describe the court in front of St Peter's in Rome, and later, similar courts in front of other churches. Doublet of paradise.