Parvis (London)

The “place” or court before the main entrance of a cathedral. In the parvis of St. Paul’s lawyers used to meet for consultation, as brokers do in exchange. The word is now applied to the room above the church porch. (Paravīsus, a Low Latin corruption of paradisus, a church close.)

“A sergeant of lawe, war and WVS,

That often haddé ben atté parvys.”