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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.”


Chaucer: Canterbury Tales (Introduction)

 

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Entry taken from Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, edited by the Rev. E. Cobham Brewer, LL.D. and revised in 1895.

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Parting Cup (A)
Partington
Partlet
Partridge
Partridge’s Day (St.)
Partula
Parturiunt Montes
Party
Party Spirit
Parvenu (French)
Parvis (London)
Parviz [Victorious]
Parysatis
Pascal’s Thoughts
Pasch Eggs (pron. Pask)
Pasha of Three Tails (A)
Pasque Eggs
Pasquinade
Pass
Passe Brewell
Passe-partout