ARCHITECTURE GLOSSARY

CASTLE WALL VOCABULARY

ASHLAR

Precisely cut masonry blocks arranged in regular courses, creating an ordered stone surface.

RUSTICATION

Masonry treatment that emphasizes joints, edges, or the rough physical character of individual stones.

STRINGCOURSE

A horizontal projecting band running across a wall, usually separating architectural levels.

MOLDING / MOULDING

A shaped projecting architectural profile used to frame, divide, or ornament a surface.

CORNICE

A projecting horizontal element at the upper edge of a wall or architectural composition.

ARCHIVOLT

A series of molded bands following the curve of an arch, emphasizing its depth and outline.

PILASTER

A shallow rectangular wall element given the visual vocabulary of a column.

ENGAGED COLUMN

A column that projects from and remains partially integrated with a wall.

CAPITAL

The decorative upper section of a column or pilaster where it transitions into the structure above.

BASE MOLDING

A projecting profile at the lower termination of a wall, column, pilaster, or architectural frame.

QUOIN

Emphasized masonry at a building corner, often arranged as alternating or projecting blocks.

BOSS

A projecting ornamental element, often circular, geometric, sculptural, or carved.

CORBEL

A projecting block that visually or structurally supports another architectural element above it.

DENTILS

A repeated row of small rectangular blocks beneath a cornice or horizontal molding.

GADROONING

Repeated rounded, fluted, or lobed ornament forming a rhythmic sculptural surface.

The wall combines weathered ashlar masonry with shallow relief, stringcourses, worn moldings, archivolts, pilasters, quoins, bosses, and monumental arch framing.
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