baptistry

Baptistery \Bap"tis*ter*y\,Baptistry \Bap"tis*try\, n.; pl. Baptisteries, Baptistries. [L. baptisterium, Gr. baptisth`rion: cf. F. baptist[`e]re.] (Arch.) (a) In early times, a separate building, usually polygonal, used for baptismal services. Small churches were often changed into baptisteries when larger churches were built near. (b) A part of a church containing a font and used for baptismal services. [1913 Webster]