parclose

[ pahr-klohz ]

/ ˈpɑrˌkloʊz /

(in a church) a screen dividing one area from another, as a chapel from an aisle.

Also perclose.

Compare rood screen.

Origin of parclose

1300–50; Middle English < Middle French, noun use of feminine of parclos, past participle of parclore to enclose fully. See per-, close

There are no signs of any parclose screens across the transept, and the position of the chapel of Sta.

Some Account of Gothic Architecture in Spain |George Edmund Street
Great inconvenience often arises from the exclusive character of the parclose.

Stones of the Temple |Walter Field
The Parclose Screen, separating the choir from the presbytery, is a peculiar feature of this Cathedral.

The Cathedrals of Great Britain |P. H. Ditchfield
Within this screen, evidently a good many years later, a manorial pew was made, the side of which is within the parclose.

Nooks and Corners of Old England |Allan Fea

The carved sides of this were originally part of the parclose by which the tombs of the Scropes were surrounded in Easby Abbey.

Motor tours in Yorkshire |Mrs. Rodolph Stawell

parclose

/ (ˈpɑːˌkləʊz) /

a screen or railing in a church separating off an altar, chapel, etc

C14: from Old French, noun use of past participle of parclore to close off; see per-, close 1