pediment
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(n)
pediment
a triangular gable between a horizontal entablature and a sloping roof
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Pediment
(Arch) Originally, in classical architecture, the triangular space forming the gable of a simple roof; hence, a similar form used as a decoration over porticoes, doors, windows, etc.; also, a rounded or broken frontal having a similar position and use. See Temple.
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(n)
pediment
In architecture, a low triangular part resembling a gable, crowning the fronts of buildings in the Greek styles, especially over porticos. It is surrounded by a cornice, and its flat recessed field or tympanum is often ornamented with sculptures in relief or in the round. Among such sculptures are found the finest remains of Greek art—the pediment-figures of the Parthenon, by Phidias. In the debased Roman and Renaissance styles the same name is given to gables similarly placed, even though not triangular in form, but semicircular, elliptical, or interrupted, and also to small finishing members of any of these shapes over doors or windows. In the architecture of the middle ages small gables and triangular decorations over openings, niches, etc., are often called pediments. These generally have the angle at the apex much more acute than the corresponding gable or gablet in Roman architecture, which, on its part, is markedly higher in proportion, or less obtuse-angled at the summit, than Hellenic pediments. See also cuts under acroterium, octastyle, and pedimented. -
(n)
pediment
Hence In decorative art, any member of similar outline, forming a triangular or segmental ornament rising above a horizontal band, as in ironwork; such a member above the opening of a screen or the like: it may be entirely open and consist of light scrollwork only.
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(n)
Pediment
ped′i-ment (archit.) a triangular or circular ornament which crowns the fronts of buildings, and serves as a finish to the tops of doors, windows, porticoes, &c
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary L. pes, pedis, a foot. See Foot
Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary L. pedamentum—pes, pedis, the foot.
A broken pediment at 775 Park Avenue, designed by Rosario Candela. nytimes.com
It is too wide, and the great spreading pediment is very ugly. "Portuguese Architecture" by
This is a fine modern building with fluted pilasters running up the frontage to an ornamental pediment. "Hampstead and Marylebone" by
Single figures are more common than in the previous style, and when used are generally shown beneath a simple pediment or canopy. "Our Homeland Churches and How to Study Them" by
It occupies in Christian sacred edifices very nearly the position of the pediment in Greek sculpture. "The Stones of Venice, Volume I (of 3)" by
You have seen these blocks, dear to the nursery: this one a pillar, that a pediment, a third a window or a vase. "The Works of Robert Louis Stevenson - Swanston Edition Vol. 16 (of 25)" by
The two figures on the pediment of the gate by Cibber. "Chapters in the History of the Insane in the British Isles" by
Could he but gain the pediment in this wise, the rest of the descent would not be difficult. "Gerald Fitzgerald The Chevalier" by
There were probably no pedimental sculptures. "Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 8, Slice 4" by
The sculptures on one side of the pediments represented the birth of the goddess; those on the other depicted her contest with Neptune. "The Bible Story" by
In the centre a pediment with the arms of the Medici. "Michelangelo" by
Statues of the Gods immortal
Quiver, with their figures bent,
In a liquid pediment
Bud of the universe,
Pediment of life.
Setting off somewhere, apparently.
Whither away, brisk egg?
Thales, Aristotle,
Cicero, Augustine, Scotus, Galileo,
Joseph, Odysseus, Hamlet, Columbus and Spinoza,
Anna Karenina, Alyosha Karamazov, Sherlock Holmes.