(from ἀσπάστωμα, "I salute,") in ecclesiastical writers, a place, or apartment, adjoining to the ancient churches, wherein the bishop and presbyters sat, to receive the salutations of the persons who came to visit them, before their blessing, or consult them on business.—This is also called alpasticum diaconicum, receptorium, metatorium, or metatorium, and salutorium: in English, "greeting-house."