E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Parvis (London).
The “place” or court before the main entrance of a cathedral. In the parvis of St. Paul’s lawyers used to meet for consultation, as brokers do in exchange. The word is now applied to the room above the church porch. (Paravsus, a Low Latin corruption of paradisus, a church close.)
sus, a Low Latin corruption of paradisus, a church close.)
