narthex
/ˈnɑːθəks/noun
1- an antechamber, porch, or distinct area at the western entrance of some early Christian churches, separated off by a railing and used by catechumens, penitents, etc.（一些基督教早期教堂的）前廊（位于西入口处, 以围栏分开, 供新信徒和忏悔者使用）。
1.1
- an antechamber or large porch in a modern church（现代教堂的）前厅。
词源
late 17th cent.: via Latin from Greek narthēx.