bossage

[ baw-sij, bos-ij ]

noun

, Masonry.

1. stonework blocked out for later carving.
2. stonework, as rusticated ashlar, having faces projecting beyond the mortar joints.

Word History and Origins

Origin of bossage¹

1695–1705; < French, equivalent to bosse boss ² + -age -age

Example Sentences

In fact, the preparation of the materials is exactly the same as that described by Vitruvius, who recommends that the fragments of marble be sifted into three degrees of fineness, using the coarser for the rough bossage, the medium for the general modelling, and the finest for the surface finish, after which it can be polished with chalk and powdered lime if necessary.

From Project Gutenberg