1. (Bot.)

Defn: A tall umbelliferous plant (Ferula communis). See Giant fennel, under Fennel.

2. (Arch.)

Defn: The portico in front of ancient churches; sometimes, the atrium or outer court surrounded by ambulatories; — used, generally, for any vestibule, lobby, or outer porch, leading to the nave of a church.

NARWAL
Nar"wal, n. (Zoöl.)

Defn: See Narwhal.

NARWE
Nar"we, a.

Defn: Narrow. [Obs.] Chaucer.

NARWHAL Nar"whal, n. Etym: [Sw. or Dan. narvhal; akin to Icel. nahvalr, and E. whale. the first syllable is perh. from Icel. nar corpse, dead body, in allusion to the whitish color its skin. See Whale.] [Written also narwhale.] (Zoöl.)

Defn: An arctic cetacean (Monodon monocerous), about twenty feet long. The male usually has one long, twisted, pointed canine tooth, or tusk projecting forward from the upper jaw like a horn, whence it is called also sea unicorn, unicorn fish, and unicorn whale. Sometimes two horns are developed, side by side.