archivolt

1 definition found

archivolt - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Archivolt \Ar"chi*volt\, n. [F. archivolte, fr. It. archivolto;
     pref. archi- + volto vault, arch. See Vault.] (Arch.)
     (a) The architectural member surrounding the curved opening
         of an arch, corresponding to the architrave in the case
         of a square opening.
     (b) More commonly, the molding or other ornaments with which
         the wall face of the voussoirs of an arch is charged.
         [1913 Webster] Archlute