catslide

[ kat-slahyd ]

noun

1. (in early American architecture) a steep roof ending close to the ground, as on a saltbox.

Word History and Origins

Origin of catslide¹

cat ( def ) + slide

Example Sentences

A catslide roof is one in which the slope at the rear extends nearly the whole way to the ground.

From Project Gutenberg

Even so, the Virginian did not long relish an "ugly," though perhaps picturesque, catslide gable; therefore, he once more began to build symmetrically, at the same time keeping his little back "cells."

From Project Gutenberg

In the Old Dominion such elongated warts or "outshuts" at the rear of the homestead afforded additional bedroom space over and beyond the cramped garret, but at the same time unfortunately threw off-center the steep medieval gable, thereby causing what the English have called a "catslide."

From Project Gutenberg