Cōnch, n.

(kŏŋk, 82), n. [Lat. concha, Gr. κόγχη, Skr. çancha, Fr. conque, Pr. concha, conca, O. Sp. & It. conca, N. Sp. & Pg. concha.] 1. A marine shell, especially one of the genus Strombus. Orient pearls, which from the conch he drew. Dryden.

2. One of the inhabitants of the Bahama Islands, and other islands in that vicinity; — so called from the commonness of the conch-shell there. [Colloq.] Marryatt.
3. (Arch.) A concave, ribless surface, as of a vault; especially the domed semicircular or polygonal termination of the choir or aisle of a church; an apsis. See Apsis. “The conch or apse, before which stood the high altar.” [Written also concha.] Milman.