Pl. 8–9 exedræ, -hedræ. [a. L. exedra, f. Gr. ἐξ- (see EX- pref.2) + ἕδρα a sitting place. Cf. F. exèdre.]
1. Ancient Arch. a. ‘The portico of the palæstra or gymnasium in which disputations of the learned were held among the ancients; also, in private houses, the pastas or vestibule, used for conversation’ (Parker, Gloss. Archit., 1874).
1706. Phillips (ed. Kersey), Exedræ.
1832. Gell, Pompeiana, I. vi. 90. The vestibulum and the exedra.
1841. W. Spalding, Italy & It. Isl., I. 189. Exedræ, the usual scenes of the afternoon slumber.
1858. R. A. Vaughan, Ess. & Rev., I. 5. He sees them … sitting in the shady retirement of the exhedra, discussing their theories.
1725. trans. Dupin’s Eccl. Hist. 17th C., I. V. 69. The Preacher was plac’d in a Chair lifted up, which the ancients called … Exedra.
1842–76. Gwilt, Archit., Gloss. s.v. Apsis, The bishop’s throne … was sometimes called exhedra.
1875. Parker, Gloss. Archit., Exedra, used as synonymous with Cathedra, for a throne or seat of any kind.
2. (See quots.)
1850. Weale, Dict. Terms, Exedra … a by-place, or jutty.
1875. Parker, Gloss. Archit., Exedra or Exhedra, a recess or large niche in a wall … sometimes applied to a porch or chapel which projects from a larger building.
