This is our third MissPres Architectural Word of the Week. If you missed any of the earlier posts, this series was spawned by Malvaney’s post about architectural dictionaries. Our past two words have been Abacus and Bracket. Have you been keeping an eye out for either element or trying to slip the words into everyday conversations like I have? I am utilizing the MDAH Historic Resources Inventory Database for all the example images that are being used in this series. Be sure to check out the HRI database for more info on the buildings featured in Architectural Word of the Week
This weeks word is brought to you by the letter C, for Corbel,as defined by Cyril M Harris’s Illustrated Dictionary of Historic Architecture
Corbel: (ˈkȯr-bəl) In masonry, a projection or one of a series of projections, each stepped progressively farther forward with height; anchored in a wall, story, column, or chimney; used to support an overhanging member above or, if continuous, to support overhanging courses; may support an ornament of similar appearance.
Keep you eyes out for Corbels this week and stay tuned for the next MissPres Architectural Word of the Week!
Categories: Books, Churches, Columbus, Historic Preservation
Preservation in Mississippi 
Is this building still being used for services? Their address is Bluecutt Road.
LikeLike
I am not sure. I accessed these photographs from the MDAH HRI database. Its been a while since I was physically in Columbus.
LikeLike
Corbelled brick foundation: http://goo.gl/FVvag
Rest of the album is here: http://goo.gl/hwqg9
LikeLike
Very cool. Goes to show that corbels can work in either direction, To either pin-point a load or to spread it. Thanks for sharing.
LikeLike
I really like the word of the week articles. I know almost nothing about architecture and these little lessons make looking at fine old buildings even more enjoyable. But, is it too nerdy to ask you to include a pronunciation to keep me from embarrassing myself? I looked up corbel and would have mispronounced it…probably in front of someone knowledgeable. Thanks – I look forward to your next article.
LikeLike
Good idea. Thank you for the suggestion. I’ll be sure to update our previous words along with including the pronunciation for future wotw
LikeLike
the pronunciation of corbell is core+bull, semi-rhyming with foible.
LikeLike