voussoir

[ voo-swahr ]

noun

, Architecture.

1. any of the pieces, in the shape of a truncated wedge, that form an arch or vault.

voussoir

/ vuːˈswɑː /

noun

1. a wedge-shaped stone or brick that is used with others to construct an arch or vault

Word History and Origins

Origin of voussoir¹

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 -tory ² with tt > s

Word History and Origins

Origin of voussoir¹

C18: from French, from Vulgar Latin volsōrium (unattested), ultimately from Latin volvere to turn, roll

Example Sentences

Each voussoir was a cast-iron framed piece two feet long and five feet in depth, and these were bolted together.

From Project Gutenberg

Stone blocks in the shape of a voussoir (fig. 14) may be used instead.

From Project Gutenberg

Each block or voussoir should be cut to fit exactly in its appointed place, the joints being made as fine as possible.

From Project Gutenberg