lantern
lantern.
1. Any structure rising above the roof of a building and having apertures in its sides by which the interior of the building is ventilated or illuminated, e.g. the octagonal lantern at Ely Cathedral (1322–c.1344).
2. Any such structure whether lighting an interior or not, such as the upper part of cathedral- or church-towers, especially those treated in a light, almost transparent way, usually octagonal uppermost stages (e.g. St Botolph, Boston, Lincs. (c. 1510–20), St Mary and All Saints, Fotheringhay, Northants. (late C15), All Saints, York (late C15), and the crossing-tower of St-Ouen, Rouen, France (C15)).
3. By extension, the upper structure on top of a cupola (e.g. Florence Cathedral (C15), San Pietro, Rome (C16), and St Paul's Cathedral, London (C17)).
1. Any structure rising above the roof of a building and having apertures in its sides by which the interior of the building is ventilated or illuminated, e.g. the octagonal lantern at Ely Cathedral (1322–c.1344).
2. Any such structure whether lighting an interior or not, such as the upper part of cathedral- or church-towers, especially those treated in a light, almost transparent way, usually octagonal uppermost stages (e.g. St Botolph, Boston, Lincs. (c. 1510–20), St Mary and All Saints, Fotheringhay, Northants. (late C15), All Saints, York (late C15), and the crossing-tower of St-Ouen, Rouen, France (C15)).
3. By extension, the upper structure on top of a cupola (e.g. Florence Cathedral (C15), San Pietro, Rome (C16), and St Paul's Cathedral, London (C17)).
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lantern