Final answer:
The term for the stone framework that supports a large stained glass window in a Gothic church is tracery. Tracery is essential for both the structural support of the window and the overall gothic aesthetic, allowing for richly decorated stained glass that lets light pour into the cathedral.
Step-by-step explanation:
In a Gothic church, the stone framework that supports a large stained glass window is known as tracery. This element not only provides structural support to the delicate stained glass but also contributes to the elaborate aesthetic characteristic of Gothic architecture. Tracery evolved over time, with early examples like plate tracery featuring large stone areas with openings for glass, transitioning to the more intricate bar tracery, where thinner stone elements separate the glass segments.
Flying buttresses, another notable architectural feature in Gothic churches, are crucial for supporting the structure's lateral thrust and allowing for larger window openings. As such, they are integral to the edifice but are not the immediate framework for stained glass windows. Moreover, the role of light in Gothic architecture cannot be overstated; the enlarged windows filled with vibrant stained glass were seen as a representation of the divine. Architectural advancements like flying buttresses and ribbed vaults facilitated the construction of expansive, light-filled interiors, culminating in cathedrals adorned with spectacular stained glass windows, which allowed sunlight to illuminate the sacred spaces in a manner befitting the spiritual aspirations of the era.