scarcement

[ skairs-muhnt ]

noun

1. a footing or ledge formed by a setoff in a wall.

scarcement

/ ˈskɛəsmənt /

noun

1. a ledge in a wall

Word History and Origins

Origin of scarcement¹

1495–1505; obsolete scarce to lessen (verbal derivative of scarce ) + -ment

Word History and Origins

Origin of scarcement¹

C16: probably from obsolete sense of scarce to reduce + -ment

Example Sentences

A few feet beneath this scarcement the shaft resumes its usual shape.

From Project Gutenberg