Other forms: courtyards
A courtyard is an open space enclosed by the walls of a building. Sky above, and no way in except through the building.
It is one of the oldest architectural forms there is, since a courtyard house gives light and air while keeping the street out, and it is found from Rome to Beijing. Colleges, coaching inns and farms all have them. The enclosure creates a genuine microclimate, which is why they are warmer and more sheltered than open ground on the same site.
1nouncourtyardAn open area enclosed by the walls of a building.
“They ate lunch in the courtyard behind the pub.”
From court + yard.
Etymology from Wiktionary, CC BY-SA