archivolt

American  

[ahr-kuh-vohlt] / ˈɑr kəˌvoʊlt /

noun

Architecture.

1. a molded or decorated band following the extrados of an arch or forming an archlike frame for an opening.

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archivolt British  

/ ˈɑːkɪˌvəʊlt /

noun

1. a moulding around an arch, sometimes decorated

2. the under surface of an arch

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Etymology

Origin of archivolt

1725–35; < French archivolte < Italian archivolto < Medieval Latin *archivoltum, Latinization of Old French arvol < Late Latin arcus volūtus vaulted arch; see arch ¹, vault ¹

Example Sentences

Detail showing the second carved head on which the archivolt rests.

From Romanesque Art in Southern Manche: Album by Lebert, Marie

The square, heavy door was usually contrived below a relieving arch, whose archivolt was richly charged with sculptured and painted ornaments; the twin windows were supported by a pied-droit or on small columns.

From Women of Early Christianity by Brittain, Alfred

The archivolt is formed by a band adorned with saw-teeth in high relief carved with a row of triangular sticks.

From Romanesque Art in Southern Manche: Album by Lebert, Marie

The great portal on the west is richly decorated in the archivolt.

From The Cathedrals and Churches of the Rhine by Mansfield, M. F. (Milburg Francisco)

His semi-circular arch is formed by a grain surrounded by an archivolt with a chamfered band.

From Romanesque Art in Southern Manche: Album by Lebert, Marie