Lectorium

Lectorium is a Latin term referring to a reading desk, pulpit, or lectern, especially in a religious context, such as a church, monastery, or library. It is a raised stand used for delivering sermons, lectures, or reading scripture. The term can also refer more broadly to a reading room or a hall designated for reading or lectures. Historically, lectoria were common features in medieval monastic settings, used for communal readings of religious texts. The term emphasizes the act of reading aloud, a common practice in past eras when literacy was less widespread. Modern usage of the term is primarily in historical or architectural descriptions. While "lectern" is the more common English term, "lectorium" carries a connotation of formality and historical significance.