astragal

[as-truh-guhl]

noun

Architecture, Furniture.

1. a small convex molding cut into the form of a string of beads.

2. a plain convex molding; bead.

3. a molding attached to one or both meeting stiles of a pair of double doors in order to prevent drafts.

astragal

/ ˈæstrəɡəl /

noun

1. architect

   1. Also called: bead. a small convex moulding, usually with a semicircular cross section

   2. a moulding having the form of a string of beads

2. carpentry a glazing bar, esp in a bookcase

3. anatomy the ankle or anklebone

Word History and Origins

Origin of astragal¹

1555–65; < Latin astragalus < Greek astrágalos a vertebra, the huckle-bone, a molding, a kind of vetch; in plural, dice (i.e., huckle-bones)

Word History and Origins

Origin of astragal¹

C17: from Latin astragalus, from Greek astragalos anklebone, hence, small round moulding

Example Sentences

Foundation holding the bronze astragals in place had also started to fail.

Read more on Washington Times

A small molding, like the astragal, but smaller; a bead.

Read more on Project Gutenberg

In glazing, the greater the surface of glass, and the less space occupied by rafters and astragals as well as overlaps, the greater the admission of light.

Read more on Project Gutenberg

The remarkable Roman arches, massive buttresses and blind doorway, framed by two primitive capitals with a wreath-shaped astragal, are apparently vestiges of constructions of an earlier date than those of Abbot Thierry.

Read more on Project Gutenberg

A cavetto molding, enriched with a bead and reel astragal and another drilled rope torus, outlines the dark marble facings about the fireplace opening.

Read more on Project Gutenberg