Bap"tis*ter*y (?),Bap"tis*try (?), n.; pl. Baptisteries (), -tries (). [L. baptisterium, Gr. : cf. F. baptistere.] 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.
© Webster 1913.