skewback

[ skyoo-bak ]
/ ˈskyuˌbæk /

noun Architecture.

a sloping surface against which the end of an arch rests.
a stone, course of masonry, or the like, presenting such a surface.

Origin of skewback

First recorded in 1695–1705; skew + back1

OTHER WORDS FROM skewback

skew·backed, adjective

Words nearby skewback

skew arch, skew field, skew lines, skew symmetry, skew-symmetric, skewback, skewbald, skewer, skewerwood, skewgee, skewing

British Dictionary definitions for skewback

skewback
/ (ˈskjuːˌbæk) /

noun

the sloping surface on both sides of a segmental arch that takes the thrust
one or more stones that provide such a surface

Derived forms of skewback

skewbacked, adjective