Editing Niche (architecture) (section)

==Etymology==
The word derives from the Latin {{lang|la|nidus}} ({{literally|nest}}), via the French {{lang|fr|niche}}.  The Italian ''[[Contrade of Siena#Nicchio (Seashell)|nicchio]]'' ({{literally|sea-shell|lk=no}}) may also be involved in the origin of the word,<ref>[[OED]], "Niche"</ref>  as the traditional decoration for the top of a niche is a [[scallop]] shell, hence also the alternative term of [[semi-dome|"conch" for a semi-dome]], usually reserved for larger exedra. As early as the 4th century, such architectural features, or the frame surrounding them are called tabernacles. This definition extends to the ornamentation or framework surrounding doors, windows and niches.