epistyle

[ep-uh-stahyl]

noun

the architrave of a classical building.

Origin of epistyle

1555–65; < Latin epistȳlium the crossbeam resting on the column < Greek epistŷlion crossbeam of architrave (epi- epi- + stŷl(os) a column, pillar, post + -ion diminutive suffix)

Related formsep·i·sty·lar, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for epistyle

Historical Examples of epistyle

The stone beams of the epistyle lay from axis to axis of the columns.
History of Ancient Art
Franz von Reber
The epistyle is commonly spoken of by its Roman name, architrave.
History of Ancient Art
Franz von Reber
VI, may be said to have no frieze, but epistyle and cornice only.
How to judge architecture
Russell Sturgis
Both faades were surmounted by epistyle, frieze and pediment.
Problems in Periclean Buildings
G. W. Elderkin
The dentils appear in the cornice, it being possible for them to take their true position upon the epistyle.
History of Ancient Art
Franz von Reber

British Dictionary definitions for epistyle

epistyle

noun

another name for architrave (def. 1)

Word Origin for epistyle

C17: via Latin epistӯlium from Greek epistulion, from epi- + stulos column, style

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012