voussoir

[voo-swahr]

noun Architecture.

any of the pieces, in the shape of a truncated wedge, that form an arch or vault.

Origin of voussoir

1325–75; < French; replacing Middle English vousor(i)e < Anglo-French; Old French volsoir < Vulgar Latin *volsōrium, equivalent to *volt(us) (for Latin volūtus), past participle of volvere to turn + -tōrium -tory² with tt > s

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Examples from the Web for voussoir

Historical Examples of voussoir

Each block or voussoir should be cut to fit exactly in its appointed place, the joints being made as fine as possible.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 17, Slice 7
Various
Stone blocks in the shape of a voussoir (fig. 14) may be used instead.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 4, Part 3
Various

British Dictionary definitions for voussoir

voussoir

noun

a wedge-shaped stone or brick that is used with others to construct an arch or vault

Word Origin for voussoir

C18: from French, from Vulgar Latin volsōrium (unattested), ultimately from Latin volvere to turn, roll

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