\Tran"sept\, n. [Pref. trans- + L. septum an inclosure.
See {Septum}.] (Arch.)
The transversal part of a church, which crosses at right
angles to the greatest length, and between the nave and
choir. In the basilicas, this had often no projection at its
two ends. In Gothic churches these project these project
greatly, and should be called the arms of the transept. It is
common, however, to speak of the arms themselves as the
transepts.