segmental, elliptical, stilted, horse-shoe, pointed,
trefoiled, cinquefoiled, or ogee.

ARCHITRAVE In classical architecture, the lowest division of the
entablature resting immediately on the abacus of the
capital. In Gothic buildings the ornamental mouldings
round the openings of doors, windows, etc.

ARCHIVOLT The under surface of the curve of an arch, from impost
to impost.

ASHLAR Shaped or squared stone used in building, as
distinguished from that in the rough.

ASTRAGAL A small semi-circular bead or moulding.

BALL FLOWER An ornament resembling a ball in a circular flower
with three enclosing petals. Dec.

BASE The lower member of a column, pier, or wall.

BASILICA A Roman law-court. Early Christian churches when
built on the same lines were called by the same name.

BILLET An ornament much used in Norman work and formed by
cutting a moulding in notches, so that the remaining
parts resembled wooden billets or pieces of stick.

BLIND STOREY See Triforium.

BOSSES Ornamental projections usually of foliage and placed
at the intersection of the ribs of vaults, ceilings,
etc.

BRACES Timbers which brace or support the main rafters. Also
called _struts_.

BROACH A spire, generally octagonal and springing from the
square top of the tower, without a parapet. (_See
page 105_).

BUTTRESS A projection from a wall, giving it additional strength.

CANOPY In Gothic architecture an ornamental hood or projection
over doors, windows, niches, tombs, etc., and rarely
found except in the Dec. and Perp. styles.

CAPITAL The head of a column or pilaster, found in a great
variety of shapes.

CATHEDRAL A church presided over by a Bishop. The principal
church of a diocese.

CHALICE The cup used for the wine at the celebration of the
Eucharist.

CHAMFER The surface formed by cutting away the rectangular edge
of wood or stone work.

CHANCEL The choir or eastern part of a church, appropriated to
the use of those who officiate in