Definition

A small opening in a church wall that allows people in a side area to see the main altar.

Example

The hagioscope provided a view of the altar for those seated in the transept.

Conversation

Did you notice that hagioscope in the old church we visited?

Yeah, it was interesting how it let people see the altar from the sides.

I wonder how many people actually used the hagioscope back in the day.

Probably a lot! It must have made the service feel more inclusive.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Hagioscope → It is formed from "hagios" (from Greek ἅγιος, meaning holy or sacred) and "scope" (from Greek σκοπός, meaning to look or to view). The word refers to a viewing place for observing the holy or sacred, particularly in a church context.

Memory Tip

Think of 'holy' ('hagios') and 'to look' ('scope') — a hagioscope is a place to look at something sacred.

Visually Confused Words