Attic base

American  

noun

1. (in classical architecture) a base for a column, consisting of an upper and a lower torus separated by a scotia between two fillets.

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Etymology

Origin of Attic base

First recorded in 1720–30

Example Sentences

An Attic base is a peculiar kind of base, used by the ancient architects in the Ionic order and by Palladio and some others in the Doric.

From The New Gresham Encyclopedia. Vol. 1 Part 3 Atrebates to Bedlis by Various

The Bases consist almost invariably of a deep small hollow, set between two rounds, standing on a square-edged plinth; and greatly resemble the ordinary Attic base.

From The Seven Periods of English Architecture Defined and Illustrated by Sharpe, Edmund

The Attic base was generally used, but an example has been found of an adaptation of the graceful Persepolitan base to the Corinthian column.

From Architecture Classic and Early Christian by Smith, T. Roger (Thomas Roger)

The Roman orders all have the favourite design known as the Attic base.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 3, Part 1, Slice 3 "Banks" to "Bassoon" by Various