Word Study
finial
CIDE DICTIONARY
finial, n. [L. finire to finish, end. See Finish.].
The knot or bunch of foliage, or foliated ornament, that forms the upper extremity of a pinnacle in Gothic architecture; sometimes, the pinnacle itself. [1913 Webster]
OXFORD DICTIONARY
finial, n. Archit.
1 an ornament finishing off the apex of a roof, pediment, gable, tower-corner, canopy, etc.
2 the topmost part of a pinnacle.
1 an ornament finishing off the apex of a roof, pediment, gable, tower-corner, canopy, etc.
2 the topmost part of a pinnacle.
Etymology
ME f. OF fin f. L finis end
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