apse
n. திருக்கோயில் கவிகைக் கூரையுள்ள அரை வட்டஒதுக்கிடம், பல பக்கங்களுள்ள வளைவு ஒதுக்கிடம்.
Apse, n.; pl. Apses. [See Apsis.] 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. Note: This word is also written apsis and absis.