modillion

[ moh-dil-yuhn, muh- ]

noun

, Architecture.

1. an ornamental cantilever beneath the corona or similar member of a cornice, stringcourse, etc.

modillion

/ məˈdɪljən /

noun

1. architect one of a set of ornamental brackets under a cornice, esp as used in the Corinthian order Compare mutule

Word History and Origins

Origin of modillion¹

1555–65; < Italian modiglione < Vulgar Latin *mutiliōnem, variant of *mūtuliōnem, accusative of *mūtuliō. See mutule, -ion

Word History and Origins

Origin of modillion¹

C16: via French from Italian modiglione, probably from Vulgar Latin mutiliō (unattested), from Latin mūtulus mutule

Example Sentences

The Michigan State Capitol Commission decided Tuesday to make available about 100 modillions, which are ornamental blocks or brackets.

From Washington Times

For all that, the style of the original building may be said to be Transitional, with Georgian details, like modillions in the cornice.

From Project Gutenberg

Here, as in the great southern porch, the classic nature of the details is remarkable, the pilasters are all fluted, and the modillion and dentil, derived from Roman models, exist throughout.

From Project Gutenberg

Detail of the cornice and its modillions carved with human heads.

From Project Gutenberg

The flat walls rarely had a real projecting entablature; the ends of joists were simulated by cornices resting on consoles or modillions; the architrave and the frieze were only a painted effect.

From Project Gutenberg