ashlar

or ash·ler

[ ash-ler ]

noun

1. Masonry.
   1. a squared building stone cut more or less true on all faces adjacent to those of other stones so as to permit very thin mortar joints.
   2. such stones collectively.
   3. masonry made of them.
2. Carpentry. a short stud between joists and sloping rafters, especially near the eaves.

verb (used with object)

1. to face with ashlars.

ashlar

/ ˈæʃlə /

noun

1. a block of hewn stone with straight edges for use in building
2. Also calledashlar veneer a thin dressed stone with straight edges, used to face a wall
3. masonry made of ashlar

Word History and Origins

Origin of ashlar¹

1325–75; Middle English ascheler < Middle French aissel ( i ) er < Latin axillāris, equivalent to axill ( a ) ( axis board, plank, axis ¹ + -illa diminutive suffix) + -āris -ar ¹; -ar ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of ashlar¹

C14: from Old French aisselier crossbeam, from ais board, from Latin axis axletree; see axis ¹

Example Sentences

The name "brick-ashlar" is given to walls faced with ashlar stonework backed in with brickwork.

From Project Gutenberg

They were made of rubble ashlar masonry, three feet square and seven feet in height.

From Project Gutenberg

Ashlar, masonry consisting of stones squared and smoothed in front and built in regular courses.

From Project Gutenberg

He raised his eyes as he spoke to where the walls in question showed their ashlar faces over the trees.

From Project Gutenberg

In the interior there is no plaster, but the whole of the church is faced with solid Bath ashlar.

From Project Gutenberg