NAVE (2)

Nave, n. [[F. nef, fr. L. navis ship, to which the church was often likened; akin to Gr. ναύαρχόσ, Skr. nāus, and perh. to AS. naca boat, G. nachen, Icel. nökkvi; cf. L. nare to swim, float. Cf. Nausea, Nautical, Naval.]] (Arch.) The middle or body of a church, extending from the transepts to the principal entrances, or, if there are no transepts, from the choir to the principal entrance, but not including the aisles.