Definition

A part of a church, specifically the end section where the altar is located, often rounded or polygonal in shape.

Example

The chevet of the cathedral was beautifully decorated with stained glass windows.

Conversation

Have you ever noticed the beautiful chevet in that old church downtown?

Yeah, it really stands out, especially the way the light hits it.

I love how it adds such character to the building.

Absolutely! It makes me appreciate the architecture even more.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

The word 'chevet' comes from Old French 'chevet', meaning head or head of a bed. It is derived from the Latin 'capitia', which is a diminutive form of 'caput', meaning head. The term originally referred to the head of a bed, where one would rest their head.

Memory Tip

Think of 'chevet' as the place where you rest your 'head' — it directly connects to the meaning of a headboard or the head of a bed.

Visually Confused Words