Bible Encyclopedias
Suthdure

Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature

(Sax. south door), the place where canonical purgation was performed. When a fact charged against a person was unproved, the accused was brought to the south door of his parish church, and then, in the presence of the faithful, made oath of his innocency. This is one reason why large south porches are found in ancient churches.