propylaeum

views updated Jun 11 2018

propylaeum, propylon (pl. pro-pylaea, propyla). Imposing monumental entrance gateway leading to a temple, sacred court, or enclosure, such as a battered gateway in front of Ancient Egyptian temple pylon-towers, or the large Doric gateway leading to the Athenian acropolis.

propylaeum

views updated May 29 2018

propylaeum entrance to a temple, etc.; introduction. XVIII. — L. — Gr. propúlaion, sb. use of n. adj. ‘before the gate’, f. PRO-2 + púlē gate.