MEETING HOUSE Meaning and
Definition
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A meeting house refers to a physical structure or building typically used by a religious or community organization for conducting congregational meetings, worship services, and other communal gatherings. The term "meeting house" is commonly associated with Protestant Christian traditions, particularly Quakerism, Puritanism, and early American colonial churches. However, it can also be used more broadly to describe similar structures found in other religious denominations or non-religious community groups.
Typically, a meeting house is designed to accommodate large groups of people, providing a space where individuals can come together for various purposes, such as religious services, prayer, spiritual guidance, religious instruction, and community events. Meeting houses are often characterized by their simplicity, reflecting the emphasis on humility, modesty, and egalitarianism within the faith or community group they serve. They are traditionally devoid of ornate decorations or symbols, emphasizing a focus on communal worship rather than material wealth or prestige.
Meeting houses are typically multi-functional spaces, facilitating a variety of activities, including religious ceremonies, social gatherings, meetings, discussions, and sometimes educational programs. They may feature an open floor plan or an arrangement of pews or benches to accommodate worshippers or attendees. Some meeting houses include a raised platform or pulpit for speakers or religious leaders, while others prioritize equality by ensuring all participants have equal visibility and access to communal activities.
Overall, meeting houses serve as important communal spaces where like-minded individuals can gather to worship, commune, support one another, and engage in various activities that contribute to the spiritual and social fabric of the community or faith group.
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Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for MEETING HOUSE
- neeting house
- keeting house
- jeeting house
- mweting house
- mseting house
- mdeting house
- mreting house
- m4eting house
- m3eting house
- mewting house
- mesting house
- medting house
- merting house
- me4ting house
- me3ting house
- meering house
Etymology of MEETING HOUSE
The term "meeting house" originated in the late 16th century in England and was initially used to describe a place where religious meetings or gatherings were held. It comes from the combination of the word "meeting", which traces back to the Old English word "gemæte", meaning "a coming together, assembly, or gathering", and the word "house", derived from the Old English word "hūs", signifying a building or structure. The etymology of the term reflects its original purpose as a place for a community or religious group to convene for various activities, specifically in relation to religious or communal gatherings.
Similar spelling words for MEETING HOUSE
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