Or'i-el, n.
n. [O. Fr. oriol, alley, corridor; L. Lat. oriolum, portico, hall, probably diminutive of Lat. area, a vacant or open space.] [Written also oriol and oryal.]
Sense 1. A gallery for minstrels. [Obs.] W. Hamper.
Sense 2. A small apartment next a hall, where certain persons were accustomed to dine; a sort of recess. [Obs.] Covell.
Sense 3. (Arch.) A large bay or recessed window, as in a hall, a chapel, or other apartment. It usually projects outwardly from the face of the wall, with a semi-hexagonal or semi-square plan, and may be of various kinds or sizes. When not on the ground-floor, it is supported by a corbel, or bracket.—Called also oriel-window.
