Nave, n. [F. nef, fr. L. navis ship, to which the church was often
likened; akin to Gr. nay`archo`s, Skr. nus, 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.
Na"vel (n"v'l), n. [AS. nafela, fr. nafu nave; akin to D. navel, G.
nabel, OHG. nabolo, Icel. nafli, Dan. navle, Sw. nafle, L. umbilicus,
Gr. 'omfalo`s, Skr. nbhla. √260. See Nave hub, and cf. Omphalic,
Nombril, Umbilical.] 1. (Anat.) A mark or depression in the middle of
the abdomen; the umbilicus. See Umbilicus.