gargoyle

[ gahr-goil ]

noun

1. a grotesquely carved figure of a human or animal.
2. a spout, terminating in a grotesque representation of a human or animal figure with open mouth, projecting from the gutter of a building for throwing rainwater clear of a building.

gargoyle

/ ˈɡɑːɡɔɪl /

noun

1. a waterspout carved in the form of a grotesque face or creature and projecting from a roof gutter, esp of a Gothic church
2. any grotesque ornament or projection, esp on a building
3. a person with a grotesque appearance

gargoyle

1. A sculpture depicting grotesque human shapes or evil spirits used in many buildings of the Middle Ages , most notably on Gothic cathedrals (see also cathedral ). Some gargoyles drained rainwater, sending it clear of the walls of the building.

Derived Forms

• ˈgargoyled, adjective

Other Words From

• gargoyled adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of gargoyle¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English gargoile, from Old French gargouille, gargoule literally, “throat”; gargle

Word History and Origins

Origin of gargoyle¹

C15: from Old French gargouille gargoyle, throat; see gargle

Example Sentences

We’ve seen a bunch of schools change their names — and in some cases adopt nightmarish gargoyle replacements — in recent years, but there are still 45 high schools across the United States using the Washington Football Team’s former name.

From FiveThirtyEight

With his right eye closed, Alvarado was looking like a gargoyle and there was nothing left in his offensive tank.

From The Daily Beast

She held it out at arm's length, her tightly-coifed, gargoyle-head on one side.

From Project Gutenberg

It was a gargoyle of his own making, meant for the vestry door in the south transept.

From Project Gutenberg

I want to sketch you for a gargoyle—a melancholy one this time.

From Project Gutenberg

Harsh gargoyle face that warred against me over our mess of hash of lights in rue Saint-Andr-des-Arts.

From Project Gutenberg

However that may have been, Noyes is rich in ancient lattice and stained glass, and curious lead-work and gargoyle.

From Project Gutenberg