(from *aspa*σαμα, I salute), among 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, desire their blessing, or consult them on business. This is also called *aspasticum diaconicum, receptorium, metatorium, or mesatorium, and salatorium*; in English, greeting-house.