long-and-short work

American  

[lawng-uhn-shawrt, long-] / ˈlɔŋ ənˈʃɔrt, ˈlɒŋ- /

noun

Masonry.

1. an arrangement of rectangular quoins or jambstones set alternately vertically and horizontally.

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long-and-short work British  

noun

1. architect the alternation in masonry of vertical and horizontal blocks of stone

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Etymology

Origin of long-and-short work

First recorded in 1860–65

Example Sentences

The characteristic “long-and-short” work, which consists of tall upright stones alternating with stones bedded flat bonding into the rubble work of the wall, has its prototype in the western arch of the porch of Monkwearmouth, and in the jambs of the chancel arch at Escomb.

From Project Gutenberg