Eccl. [Byz. Gr. σολέα, ad. Romanic *solea (cf. It. soglia) threshold.] In churches (esp. those of the East), a raised part of the floor in front of a chapel or of the chancel.
1858. Ecclesiologist, XIX. 315. The chancel arch [in Shottesbrook church] … is spanned by a high stone screen, outside of which … the prayer-desk stands upon a solea of the width of the screen.
1884. A. J. Butler, Coptic Churches Egypt, I. iv. 214. In front of all three eastern chapels is a continuous narrow platform or solea.
