apse Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a domed or vaulted recess or projection on a building especially the east end of a church; usually contains the altar
    apsis.

WordNet

Apse noun
Wordforms
plural Apses
Definitions
  1. (Arch.) (a) A projecting part of a building, esp. of a church, having in the plan a polygonal or semicircular termination, and, most often, projecting from the east end. In early churches the Eastern apse was occupied by seats for the bishop and clergy. Hence: (b) The bishop's seat or throne, in ancient churches.
  2. A reliquary, or case in which the relics of saints were kept. ✍ This word is also written apsis and absis.[See Apsis.]

Webster 1913