fenestella
(fɛnɪˈstɛlə)
[a. L. fenestella, dim. of fenestra window.]
1. Arch. a. A small window-like niche in the wall on the south side of the altar, containing the piscina and often the credence.
| 1797 Gentl. Mag. LXVII. ii. 649 A fenestella in the South wall of the chancel. 1839 Stonehouse Axholme 226 The fenestella, or small niche, contained a vessel, bason, or piscina, for washing the hands. 1843 Ecclesiologist II. 56 A Fenestella with Credence-shelf. |
b. A small window.
| 1848 B. Webb Continent. Eccles. 57 The dwarf-wall is pierced by a broad fenestella with a trefoliated head. 1849 Weale Dict. Terms 183/1 Fenestella..a little window. |
2. Zool. (See quots.)
| 1849 Murchison Siluria ix. (1867) 188 The species [of Lower Silurian Zoophytes] with a net-like form, Fenestella and Retepora. Ibid. x. (1867) 217 The beautiful little cup-shaped Fenestella of the Wenlock limestone. 1879 Rossiter Dict. Sci. Terms, Fenestella, a polyzoon; known by many fossil remains in Devonian limestones and other rocks. |