The Latin word "pulpitum" means "platform."
An elevated stand of stone or wood for the preacher or reader to stand on.
In early Christian times the bishop preached from his cathedra. Later the ambo was used for the sermon and in still later times the rood-loft. Except in cathedrals the north side of the nave is considered the proper place for the pulpit.
See Ambo
Dictionary of church terms. — St. GEORGE'S COPTIC ORTHODOX CHURCH SPORTING - ALEXANDRIA EGYPT. Fr. Tadros Yacoub Maiaty.