surbase

American  

[sur-beys] / ˈsɜrˌbeɪs /

noun

Architecture.

1. a molding above a base, bases, as that immediately above a baseboard, the crowning molding of a pedestal, etc.

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surbase British  

/ ˈsɜːˌbeɪs /

noun

1. the uppermost part, such as a moulding, of a pedestal, base, or skirting Compare subbase

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Other Word Forms

• surbasement noun

Etymology

Origin of surbase

First recorded in 1670–80; sur- ¹ + base ¹

Example Sentences

In a room so treated the dado becomes virtually a187 continuous pedestal with a base or skirting and a surbase above the die or plane face of the pedestal.

From The Colonial Architecture of Philadelphia by Cousins, Frank

Not but, for my part, I 'd equally refuse her leave to touch the moulding in the surbase.

From The Bramleighs of Bishop's Folly by Lever, Charles James

Unlike the plain dado of the main hall, however, elaborated only by a molded surbase and skirting, a handsome paneled wainscot runs around the staircase hall and up the stairs.

From The Colonial Architecture of Philadelphia by Cousins, Frank

Rub the bedsteads in the joints with equal parts of spirits of turpentine and kerosene oil, and the cracks of the surbase in rooms where there are many.

From Burroughs' Encyclopaedia of Astounding Facts and Useful Information, 1889 by Burroughs, Barkham

Two squares of faded carpeting of different patterns, covered the middle of the floor, leaving, toward the surbase, a wide, blank margin around them.

From Pierre; or The Ambiguities by Melville, Herman