Gothic Field Guide to Architectural Terms Page 1

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ambulatory - circular aisle which wraps around the architects
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arch - the pointed arch is widely regarded as the main
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boss - highly decorated carving found in ceilings , uk
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buttress - a mass of stone built up to support a wall, Home
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capital - the cap or crown to a column , shelves, more
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usually heavily decorated.

cathedral - (cathedra, seat or throne) the Architecture in

principal church of a province or diocese, where the New York
throne of the bishop is placed. By tradition, a cathedral Find all buildings in
always faces west - toward the setting sun while New York on the
congregants face east toward the rising sun - a symbol free architecture
of Christ's ascension into heaven. archive
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The main body , or nave, of the cathedral is usually

divided into one main, and two side aisles. These lead
up to the north and south transepts, or arms of the
cross, the shape in which a cathedral is traditionally
set out.

chancel - part of the altar for the clergy or choir,

bordered by railings.

chapels - the recesses on the sides of aisles in

cathedrals and abbey churches. Sometimes known as
chantries.

Chapter House - administrative center of a cathedral,

traditionally organized for overseeing construction .

choir - the area of the main altar where services are

sung , located between the crossing and the apse.

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Gothic Field Guide to Architectural Terms Page 2

choir - the area of the main altar where services are

sung , located between the crossing and the apse.

choir screen - decorated screen of wood or stone

separating the choir from the rest of the cathedral.

cinquefoil - in tracery, having five

pendants in a circular ring; usually
applied to windows and panels. See
also tracery.

clerestory - 'clear story,' the upper story of a church

where it rises above the aisle roof. Window openings,
usually of stained glass, allow extra light into the
interior.

cloister (Lat. claustrum) - an inner courtyard or central

square closed by the four sides of a monastery
sometimes situated on the south side of a cathedral.
The walkway , or ambulatory, is usually protected by a
roof supported by columns.

column - a cylindrical support , usually capped by a

decorated capital. See also wreathed column.

corbel - a projecting bracket, sometimes carved and

decorated, used to help support weight from above .

crocket - a small ornament projecting

from the sloping angles of pinnacles,
spires, etc., typically depicting stylized
foliage .

crossing - intersection of the nave, transepts &

chancel .

crypt - area below the cathedral traditionally reserved

for burial chambers.

dripstone - a small, sometimes decorated stone

incorporated into door or window jambs to throw rain
water clear of the opening.

embattlements - A parapet with indentations or

embrasures as seen here, at left, capping a medieval
town gate .

embattled molding - having indentions like those of

a battlement.

fan tracery vaulting - a system of ceiling

vaulting with all ribs having the same curve,
resembling the folds of a fan.

finial - the top or finishing stone of a

pinnacle .

flying buttress - a buttress arched

over at the top to engage with a main
wall. A principal feature of Gothic
architecture, lending strength and

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Gothic Field Guide to Architectural Terms Page 3

architecture, lending strength and solidity to the main

structure.

gablet - a gable-shaped stone that crowns a buttress.

Galilee porch - a porch at the western end of a

church or cathedral; a biblical reference to Christ
leading his disciples after the resurrection into Galilee.

gargoyle - a spout usually carved in

the shape of an animal or demon, and
connected to a gutter for throwing rain
water from the roof of a building. See
Gothic Field Guide Spotlight.

green man - an ancient symbol of man 's deep

connection to nature ; a decorative Gothic carving
characterized by a human face sprouting foliage.

grotesque - a carving usually of a

demon, dragon, or half human/half
animal, serving no utilitarian purpose.
Often confused with gargoyles.

impost - the row of stones on which an arch rests.

jamb - the stones forming the side of a door or

window .

jamb figures - located on either side of the main

portal door; the first carved figures a visitor meets on a
visit to a Gothic cathedral. Traditionally depicting Old
Testament prophets or martyred saints.

keystone - the central stone of an arch that locks the

other units in place. See voussoir.

Lancet arch - a Gothic pointed arch usually applied to

long , narrow windows . See arch.

Lady chapel - the easternmost chapel of a cathedral,

intended for quiet contemplation and the occasional
special service.

misericord (Lt. mercy)- pivoting wooden seats in choir

stalls . They were lifted up to provide relief for clergy
who had to stand during long church services.
Misericords are often highly carved. More at Resources:
Misericords.

mullions - stone piers dividing a window into two or

more lights.

nave (Lt. a ship) - the main body of a church or

cathedral.

http://www.newyorkcarver.com/Glossary.htm 10-Jan-11 11:46:01

 newel - the supporting upright pillar
around which winding steps, or
winders, are supported; typically found
in cathedral and castle architecture of
the Middle Ages.

niche (Fr. a nest ) - a recess in a wall for the reception

of a statue.
Gothic Field Guide to Architectural Terms Page 5

springer - the horizontal stone which the first arch

stone rests upon, or springs from.