Arch'es-cōurt, n.

noun

n. (Eng. Law.) An ecclesiastical court of appeal;—so called from the church of St. Mary-le-bow (de arcubus), whose top is raised on stone pillars built archwise, where it was anciently held. The judge is called the dean of the arches. This and all the principal spiritual courts are now held at Doctors' Commons. Blackstone.