spandrel
spandrel
Definition
span·drel (span′drəl)
noun
- either of the triangular spaces between the exterior curve of an arch and a rectangular frame or mold enclosing it
- any of the spaces between a series of arches and a straight cornice running above them
Etymology: ME spaundrell, dim. of Anglo-Fr spaundre < OFr espandre, to expand < L expandere, expand
spandrel
Usage Examples
Preposition: of
- arcade: The spandrels of the arcade have some amusing beasts.
- arch: Lions ' heads in the spandrels of the arch.
- doorway: It is relatively modest, but has detached columns and a big segmental pediment and the spandrels of the doorway in open-work.
Converse of object
- carve: A triple wooden arcade is set below it consisting of wide two-centred arches on either side of a narrower arch with carved spandrels.
- decorate: North wall: Victorian doorway with peaked arch, decorated spandrels, complex molding, and a stopped label, all in pale sandstone.
- pierce: The nave has a low-pitched roof with arched braces having pierced spandrels and resting on large angel corbels.
- fill: Square-headed east window of Victorian stone has three trefoiled lights under round heads, and the spandrels filled with smaller lights; simple hoodmould.
- have: Any dome supported by circular arches, as is the dome of St. Mark's, must have spandrels for structural reasons.
Adjective modifier
- sunken: West wall: small rectangular window with two-centred arched light, sunken spandrels, all in gray freestone; probably re-used.
- foliate: The foliate spandrels of the cusping to the central arch is another step away from Cistercian austerity.
- traceried: A nice piece of Perp, with plain massive outer doorway and a more elaborate inner doorway, with square hood and traceried spandrels.
Modifies a noun
- panel: Belfry window blocked off but similar to that on north with sunken spandrel panels, tho more worn.
- wall: The existing masonry arch and spandrel walls were retained for esthetic requirements and new parapets were provided in a style similar to the existing.
Noun used with modifier
- corner: The upper corner spandrels have peripheral foliage engraving flanking the maker's signature.
- brass: Each of our solid brass dials has a hand-engraved center and has engraved or cast brass corner spandrels.
- roof: John Blatchly has pointed out that the dragon imagery in the roof spandrels suggests a probable dedication of St Margaret of Antioch.
- cherub: The 7ins x 8ins elongated brass dial is mounted with a silvered chapter ring and winged cherub spandrels.
- foliage: The 12ins square dial is mounted with turban head and foliage spandrels, a silvered chapter ring, seconds ring and calendar aperture.
Browse dictionary entries near spandrel
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