[ noun ] a colonnade surrounding a building or enclosing a court <noun.artifact>
Peristyle \Per"i*style\, n. [L. peristylum, Gr. ?, ?; ? about + ? a column: cf. F. p['e]ristyle.] (Arch.) A range of columns with their entablature, etc.; specifically, a complete system of columns, whether on all sides of a court, or surrounding a building, such as the cella of a temple. Used in the former sense, it gives name to the larger and inner court of a Roman dwelling, the peristyle. See {Colonnade}.
Colonnade \Col`on*nade"\, n. [F. colonnade, It. colonnata, fr. colonna column. See {Colonel}.] (Arch.) A series or range of columns placed at regular intervals with all the adjuncts, as entablature, stylobate, roof, etc.
Note: When in front of a building, it is called a {portico}; when surrounding a building or an open court or square, a {peristyle}.