Chevêt (pr. shev-ay): term applied to the east end of a Romanesque or Gothic church, when it takes the form of a circular or polygonal apse, surrounded by an aisle which opens into chapels.
Chevron: a decorative device, like a V, repeated either vertically or horizontally; forming in the latter case a zig-zag.
Chryselephantine (Gk. “gold-ivory”): applied to a sculptured figure of wood, when the nude parts are covered with gold and the draperies with ivory.
Choir or Chancel: the portion of the church or cathedral east of the nave, screened off for the use of the choir. See Coro.
Cimborio: See Lantern.
Cinquecento: Italian term for the period called in English the sixteenth century.
Cinque-foil: See Foil.
Clerestory or Clearstory (Fr. clair = light): the highest story of a nave immediately above the Triforium (which see), containing windows overlooking the roof of the aisles.
Cloison: a partition; specifically, the metal bands dividing the pattern in cloisonné enamel.
Cloisters (lit. enclosed space): the covered ambulatory around the open court of a monastery; still retained as an adjunct of many English and Spanish cathedrals.