noun
- A small opening or window in the wall of a medieval church that allowed people in the transept or side aisle to view the altar during services.
Usage: architecture; historical; also called a squint
Examples
- The hagioscope in the church wall provided a narrow view of the high altar for worshippers seated in the side chapel.
- Medieval architects designed hagioscopes to ensure that all parishioners could witness the elevation of the host.
- The hagioscope was a practical solution to the limited seating in crowded medieval churches.
- Historians study hagioscopes to understand the layout and function of medieval church interiors.