‖ exedra, exhedra
(ˈɛksɪdrə, ɛkˈsiːdrə)
Pl. 8–9 exedræ, -hedræ.
[a. L. exedra, f. Gr. ἐξ- (see ex- prefix2) + ἕδρα a sitting place. Cf. F. exèdre.]
1. Anc. Arch. a. ‘The portico of the palæstra or gymnasium in which disputations of the learned were held among the ancients; also, in private houses, the pastas or vestibule, used for conversation’ (Parker Gloss. Archit. 1874).
| 1706 Phillips (ed. Kersey), Exedræ. 1832 Gell Pompeiana I. vi. 90 The vestibulum and the exedra. 1841 W. Spalding Italy & It. Isl. I. 189 Exedræ, the usual scenes of the afternoon slumber. 1858 R. A. Vaughan Ess. & Rev. I. 5 He sees them..sitting in the shady retirement of the exhedra, discussing their theories. |
b. = apsis 3 b (a): cf. cathedra.
| 1725 tr. Dupin's Eccl. Hist. 17th c. I. v. 69 The Preacher was plac'd in a Chair lifted up, which the ancients called..Exedra. 1842–76 Gwilt Archit. Gloss. s.v. Apsis, The bishop's throne..was sometimes called exhedra. 1875 Parker Gloss. Archit., Exedra, used as synonymous with Cathedra, for a throne or seat of any kind. |
2. (See quots.)
| 1850 Weale Dict. Terms, Exedra..a by-place, or jutty. 1875 Parker Gloss. Archit., Exedra or Exhedra, a recess or large niche in a wall..sometimes applied to a porch or chapel which projects from a larger building. |