corbel etymology

Etymology

  • Old French: corbel
  • Late Latin: corbellus
  • Latin: corvus ("crow")

Meaning and Origin

The word "corbel" originally referred to a raven or crow. In medieval architecture, it came to be used for a supporting bracket or ledge that projected from a wall or pier and supported a load above.

The association between the word "corbel" and a raven or crow may have arisen from the bird's often perched on stone ledges or cornices. As a result, the architectural feature took on the name of the animal that it resembled.

Initially, corbels were primarily functional, serving to support weight. However, over time, they also became decorative elements, often carved with intricate designs. They were commonly used in Gothic architecture, where they supported ribs and arches, and in domestic buildings, where they supported balconies and window sills.

Today, the term "corbel" is still used in architecture to refer to a supporting bracket or ledge that projects from a wall or pier.

corbel relate terms

  • corvine

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  • raven

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  • cornice

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  • crown

    Etymology Middle English corone from Old French corone from Latin corona from Gree

  • corbel

    Etymology Old French corbel Late Latin corbellus Latin corvus crow Meaning and

  • truss

    Etymology Middle English trus Old French trus beam support Late Latin trabs beam

  • provide

    Etymology The word etymology comes from the Greek words etymon meaning true sense

  • render

    Etymology Old French rendre Late Latin reddere Proto Indo European red Meaning

  • supply

    Etymology Middle English supplien from Old French suplir supllier from Latin supp

  • bracket

    Etymology The word bracket comes from the Middle English word braket which in turn i

  • furnish

    Etymology The word furnish is derived from the Old French word furnir which means t

  • apprehension

    Etymology Late Middle English in the sense act of arresting or seizing via Old

  • trim

    Etymology Middle English from Old English trymian to make firm strengthen fortify

  • empty

    Etymology The word empty comes from the Middle English word emty which in turn is d

  • class

    Etymology The term etymology comes from the Greek words etymon true meaning and