Gal"ler*y (?), n.; pl.
Galleries (#). [F. galerie, It.
galleria, fr. LL. galeria gallery, perh. orig., a
festal hall, banquetting hall; cf. OF. galerie a rejoicing,
fr. galer to rejoice. Cf. Gallant,
a.] 1. A long and narrow
corridor, or place for walking; a connecting passageway, as between
one room and another; also, a long hole or passage excavated by a
boring or burrowing animal.
2. A room for the exhibition of works of art;
as, a picture gallery; hence, also, a large or important
collection of paintings, sculptures, etc.
3. A long and narrow platform attached to one
or more sides of public hall or the interior of a church, and
supported by brackets or columns; -- sometimes intended to be
occupied by musicians or spectators, sometimes designed merely to
increase the capacity of the hall.
4. (Naut.) A frame, like a balcony,
projecting from the stern or quarter of a ship, and hence called
stern gallery or quarter gallery, -- seldom found in
vessels built since 1850.
5. (Fort.) Any communication which is
covered overhead as well as at the sides. When prepared for defense,
it is a defensive gallery.
6. (Mining) A working drift or
level.
Whispering gallery. See under
Whispering.
