Page:A history of architecture on the comparative method for the student, craftsman, and amateur.djvu/753

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page needs to be proofread.

GLOSSARY. 695 leaves). — In tracery a circular panel divided into four leaves (No. 142 K, L). Quoin. — A term generally applied to the corner stones at the angles of buildings, and hence to the angle itself (Nos. 197 and 198 d). Refectory. — The dining hall in a monastery, convent or college. Renaissance (Fr. rebirth). — The re-introduction of Classic forms in archi- tecture, all over Europe, in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. (For the causes which led up to this movement, see page 437.) Reredos. — The screen, or orna- mental work, at the back of the altar. In Manchester, S. Albans, and Durham Cathedrals they are carved structures reaching to the roof Rib. — A projecting band on a ceiling, on various kinds of vaults, and else- where (Nos. 109, III, 112 (f/; pages 283, 290)). Ridge. — The highest point of a roof, running from end to end. Rococo style. — A debased appli- cation of Renaissance features (see page 496). Roll moulding (No. 146). — Also called scroll moulding from its resem- blance to a scroll of paper, one edge of which projects over the other part. Rood loft. — A raised gallery in front of the Chancel arch, to carry a crucifix or rood, used for reading por- tions of the church service. The framing under, known as the rood screen, separates the chancel from the rest of the church (No. 145 F.). Rose-window, see wheel-window (Nos. 153 B, 156 and 161). Rostrum (Gk. = prow of a ship). — The plural " rostra " denoted the tribune in the Forum Romanum, from which orators addressed the people. It was so called because decorated with the prows of ships taken in war. Rustication. — A method of forming stonework with recessed joints, prin- cipally employed in Renaissance build- ings as at Florence (No. 192). Screen. — A partition or inclosure of wood, often elaborately carved, and separating the choir from the nave. The Latin cancellus = screen, cor- rupted to "chancel," primarily used for the inclosing object, was afterwards applied to that which it inclosed (Nos. 86 and 123). Scotia (Gk. scotia = darkness). — The concave moulding in the base of a column, throwing a deep shadow (Nos. 39 G, H, 40 H, T, u). Section. — A term used by architects to express the representation of a build- ing, divided into two parts by a vertical plane, so as to show the construction. The term is also applied to any solid in the same way (Nos. 62 B, 73 D, 146, 203 F, g). Sedilia (Lat. = seat). — The seats for the priests, generally of masonry, placed in the wall on the south side of the chancel (No. 144 M, N, o). Shaft. — The portion of the column between the base and capital (Nos. 16 A, B and 38). Soffit. — The ceiling ; the underside of any architectural member (No. 198 a). Solar. — A mediaeval term for an upper chamber, usually the private chamber of the owner. Span. — The width or opening of an arch, roof, or beam, between its supports. Spandrel. — The triangular space between the curve of an arch and the square inclosing it (Nos. 127 G, 143 j and 148 M, n). Spire. — The pointed termination to the tower of a church in Gothic or Renaissance architecture ; usually octa- gonal on plan : in Renaissance archi- tecture, carried up in stories (Nos. 121, 130, 140 and 255). Squinch arch. — Arches placed diagonally at the angles in the interiors of towers to bring them from the square to the octagon, and so support the octagonal spire (No. 188). Stalls. — Divisions or fixed seats for the clergy and choir, often elaborately carved (No. 126). They have large projecting elbows and carved "mise- reres," and are often surmounted by overhanging canopies. The bishop's seat is called the "throne." The stu- dent should visit Henry VII. 's Chapel at Westminster, and the Abbey Choir. Steeple. — The term applied to the tower of a church, including the spire (Nos. 130 and 255). Stilted arch. — An arch having its springing line above the line of impost mouldings, to which it is connected