epistyle

[ ep-uh-stahyl ]

noun

1. the architrave of a classical building.

epistyle

/ ˈɛpɪˌstaɪl /

noun

1. another name for architrave

Other Words From

• epi·stylar adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of epistyle¹

1555–65; < Latin epistȳlium the crossbeam resting on the column < Greek epistŷlion crossbeam of architrave ( epi- epi- + stŷl ( os ) a column, pillar, post + -ion diminutive suffix)

Word History and Origins

Origin of epistyle¹

C17: via Latin epistӯlium from Greek epistulion, from epi- + stulos column, style

Example Sentences

At the west, the length of the frieze is only equal to the width of the cella; at the east, the frieze is continued as far as the epistyle, or beams surmounting the colonnade.

From Project Gutenberg

Both façades were surmounted by epistyle, frieze and pediment.

From Project Gutenberg

And as you went on towards the head of the vessel was another apartment dedicated to Bacchus, capable of holding thirteen couches, surrounded with pillars, having its cornices all gilt as far down as the epistyle which ran round the room, but the roof corresponded to the character of the god.

From Project Gutenberg

Between the epistyle and the coronis, the long belt-shaped Zophora unfolded its bestial sculptures, erotic and fabulous.

From Project Gutenberg

Pope Leo I. erected in the centre of the quadri-portico a fountain crowned by a Bacchic Kantharos, and wrote on its epistyle a brilliant epigram, inviting the faithful to purify themselves bodily and spiritually, before presenting themselves to the apostle within.

From Project Gutenberg