Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Nave \Nave\, n. [F. nef, fr. L. navis ship, to which the church
   was often likened; akin to Gr. nay`archo`s, Skr. n[=a]us, and
   perh. to AS. naca boat, G. nachen, Icel. n["o]kkvi; cf. L.
   nare to swim, float. Cf. {Nausea}, {Nautical}, {Naval}.]
   (Arch.)
   The middle or body of a church, extending from the transepts
   to the principal entrances, or, if there are no transepts,
   from the choir to the principal entrance, but not including
   the aisles.

Nave \Nave\ (n[=a]v), n. [AS. nafu; akin to D. naaf, G. nabe,
   OHG. naba, Icel. n["o]f, Dan. nav, Sw. naf, Skr. n[=a]bhi
   nave and navel: cf. L. umbo boss of a shield. [root]260. Cf.
   {Navel}.]
   1. The block in the center of a wheel, from which the spokes
      radiate, and through which the axle passes; -- called also
      {hub} or {hob}.

   2. The navel. [Obs.] --hak.

Source : WordNet®

nave
     n : the central area of a church