[a. L. audītōrium lecture-room, audience, neut. of adj. audītōrius used subst.: see AUDITORY and -ORIUM.]
1. The part of a public building occupied by the audience; in ancient churches, the ‘nave.’
1727–51. Chambers, Cycl., Auditory, Auditorium … was that part of the church where the audientes stood to hear, and be instructed.
1881. Daily News, 12 Sept., 2/3. The flames attacking every part of the auditorium, the boxes, upper circle, and gallery being wholly alight.
ǁ 2. The reception-room of a monastery. (Med.L.)
1863. J. C. Morison, St. Bernard, II. ii. 196. In the ‘auditorium,’ or talking-room of the monastery.
