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spandrel Definition

span·drel (span′drəl)

noun

  1. either of the triangular spaces between the exterior curve of an arch and a rectangular frame or mold enclosing it
  2. 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.