haikal

Century Dictionary and Cyclopedia

1. n. In churches of the Levant, a sacred place, usually distinguished from the choir. In the Coptic chnrches of Egypt it forms an important member of the plan and is in some cases covered with a cupola which is richly adorned, having mosaics or paintings. See cut in next column.

GNU Webster's 1913

1. n. The central chapel of the three forming the sanctuary of a Coptic church. It contains the high altar, and is usually closed by an embroidered curtain.