Glossary

embattled parapets have regular indentations crenelated as in a castle wall
bestiary
collection of beasts
botonny
Cross having each arm terminated in three buds like a trefoil
buttress
A mass of masonry projecting from or built against a wall to give additional strength - to counteract the lateral thrust of an arch, roof or vault
celure
The panelled and adorned part of a wagon roof above the rood or altar
clerestory
The upper stage of the main walls above the aisle rooves pierced by windows
cornice
The top projecting section of an entablature
crocket
decorative hook-like spur of stone carved in various leaf shapes and projecting at regular intervals from the angle of the spires, pinnacles, canopies and gables
finial
A formal ornament at the top of a canopy, gable or pinnacle. A decorative motif in the form of a small gable as on a buttress* above a niche
merlon
Raised portion between sections of battlements
mullion
Vertical member between the casements or panes of a window
parclose
Screen enclosing a chapel and separating it from the main body of the church so as to exclude non-worshippers
paterae
Small, flat circular or oval ornament often decorated with acanthus leaves or rose petals
perpendicular
Period of gothic architecture 1370-1550 characterised by large windows with light vertical panel-like tracery often strengthened by transoms
pinnacle
Small turret - like termination crowning spires
purlin
Horizontal longitudinal timber
pyx
Receptacle destined to contain the reserved host
rood
Saxon word for cross or crucifix - set at the east end of nave fixed to a special beam stretching from respond to respond of the chancel arch
rood screen
A screen below the rood set across east end of nave and shutting off the chancel
spandrel
Triangular space between the side of an arch, and the horizontal drawn from the level of its apex and the vertical of its springing
string course
A continuous horizontal band of stone or bricks set in the surface of an exterior wall, usually moulded
transom
Horizontal bar of stone or wood across the opening of a window or across a panel

 

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