Word Study
archivolt
CIDE DICTIONARY
archivolt, n. [F. archivolte, fr. It. archivolto; pref. archi- + volto vault, arch. See Vault.].
The architectural member surrounding the curved opening of an arch, corresponding to the architrave in the case of a square opening. [1913 Webster]
OXFORD DICTIONARY
archivolt, n.
1 a band of mouldings round the lower curve of an arch.
2 the lower curve itself from impost to impost of the columns.
1 a band of mouldings round the lower curve of an arch.
2 the lower curve itself from impost to impost of the columns.
Etymology
F archivolte or It. archivolto (as ARC, VAULT)
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