Baptistry

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A structure or chamber within a church reserved for administering baptism to believers
2. A room or separate building in or near a church where the sacrament of baptism is conducted
3. The designated area of a church building where baptismal ceremonies and rituals take place

Etymology: The Greek word "baptistḗrion" originally meant a bathing place or tub, drawn from "baptizein," to immerse or dip. Early Christians took that everyday word for a bath and gave it a sacred job: the place where people were immersed in water to receive baptism. Ecclesiastical Latin borrowed it as "baptistērium," and it reached English in Middle English as "baptistery" or "baptisterie." The English form combines "baptism" with the suffix "-ry," which in this case marks a place associated with an activity, as in "bakery" or "nunnery." The result is a building or room set apart for baptizing, often a small structure beside a church or cathedral, sometimes octagonal in shape.

Synonyms: baptistery, baptistry