voussoir
[ voo-swahr ]
/ vuˈswɑr /
noun Architecture.
any of the pieces, in the shape of a truncated wedge, that form an arch or vault.
Origin of voussoir
1325–75; < French; replacing Middle English
vousor(i)e < Anglo-French; Old French
volsoir < Vulgar Latin
*volsōrium, equivalent to
*volt(us) (for Latin
volūtus), past participle of
volvere to turn +
-tōrium
-tory2 with
tt >
s
Words nearby voussoir
vouchee,
voucher,
voucher system,
vouchsafe,
vouge,
voussoir,
vouvray,
vow,
vowel,
vowel gradation,
vowel harmony
Example sentences from the Web for voussoir
Stone blocks in the shape of a voussoir (fig. 14) may be used instead.
Each block or voussoir should be cut to fit exactly in its appointed place, the joints being made as fine as possible.
British Dictionary definitions for voussoir
voussoir
/ (vuːˈswɑː) /
noun
a wedge-shaped stone or brick that is used with others to construct an arch or vault
Word Origin for voussoir
C18: from French, from Vulgar Latin
volsōrium (unattested), ultimately from Latin
volvere to turn, roll