Deambulatory

/ˌdiːæmbjʊˈlætəri/ adjective

Definition

Relating to or designed for walking or movement through a space, particularly in architecture referring to covered walkways.

Etymology

From Late Latin deambulatorius, combining de- and ambulare (to walk) with the adjectival suffix -ory. The term became specialized in architectural vocabulary to describe structural elements facilitating processions.

Kelly Says

The deambulatory design in Romanesque churches solved a practical problem: how to let clergy process without stepping on sleeping pilgrims who often used cathedral floors as beds during religious festivals.

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