sedilia means A series of seats, typically three, often recessed into the wall, on the south side of the chancel or choir, reserved for the use of officiating clergy. Lexicurio rates it Sui generis — a strength score of 90 out of 100.
Why “sedilia” is a great word
SEDILIA — [Noun] A series of fixed stone seats, typically three and recessed into the south wall of a church chancel, reserved for the officiating clergy during liturgical service. From Latin sedilia, plural of sedile ("seat, bench"), from sedēre ("to sit"). First known use in English in 1793. Unlike a "pew"—a long, anonymous bench for the congregation—or a "cathedra"—a singular, symbolic throne of episcopal authority—sedilia are a humble, plural unit of utility for the celebrants themselves. They are the cool, stone hollows worn smooth by centuries of vestments, the narrow ledges catching the slanting, colored light from a south window, and the rigid perches from which the weary celebrant watches the ritual unfold—architectural proof that even sacred roles are transient, they leave behind only the shape of their absence.
noun
- A series of seats, typically three, often recessed into the wall, on the south side of the chancel or choir, reserved for the use of officiating clergy.“"I'm sure. And you'll remember your promise? I'm dying to see the celebrated twelfth century canopied sedilia."
"You have heard of our unique Norman feature? Oh, really!" It would have been impossible to strike a better claim on the vicar's favour.”