Lantern

Lantern, in Architecture, an ornamental structure raised over domes, roofs, &c., to give light and ventilation. The dome of St Paul's Cathedral and many other large domes are crowned with a lantern. Where a lantern is for the purpose of giving light it is called a lantern-light. In Gothic architecture a lantern-tower is frequently placed over the centre of cross churches—the vault being at a considerable height, and the light admitted by windows in the sides. York and Ely cathedrals, and many churches in England, have such lantern-towers.