01 n. A projecting part of a building, esp. of a church, having in the plan a polygonal or semicircular termination, and, most often, projecting …
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1.
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.(Arch.)
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2.
A reliquary, or case in which the relics of saints were kept.