horseshoe arch

American  

noun

1. an arch with the intrados widening above the springing and then narrowing to a rounded crown.

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horseshoe arch British  

noun

1. an arch formed in the shape of a horseshoe, esp as used in Moorish architecture

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Etymology

Origin of horseshoe arch

First recorded in 1805–15

Example Sentences

Here we may see one more monument of the Moors, a horseshoe arch, once a part of the Mosque.

From The Story of Seville by Hartley, C. Gasquoine (Catherine Gasquoine)

And as on that day so on this, in the alcove under the horseshoe arch sat Ben Aboo and his Spanish wife.

From The Scapegoat; a romance and a parable by Caine, Hall, Sir

The principal arches used were the pointed and the horseshoe arch.

From Scientific American Supplement, No. 598, June 18, 1887 by Various

Under the huge leaning elms, which people who trust guide-books attribute to Wellington, I wandered until I came to a great red tower, with a horseshoe arch for entrance.

From The Car of Destiny by Both, Armand

The Moors of north Africa, however, never employed it, preferring the horseshoe arch which they brought into Spain and developed in the mosque of Cordova.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 2, Slice 4 "Aram, Eugene" to "Arcueil" by Various