socle

[ sok-uhl, soh-kuhl ]

noun

, Architecture.

1. a low, plain part forming a base for a column, pedestal, or the like; plinth.

socle

/ ˈsəʊkəl /

noun

1. another name for plinth

Word History and Origins

Origin of socle¹

1695–1705; < French < Italian zoccolo wooden shoe, base of a pedestal < Latin socculus literally, little soccus; sock ¹, -ule

Word History and Origins

Origin of socle¹

C18: via French from Italian zoccolo, from Latin socculus a little shoe, from soccus a sock ¹

Example Sentences

The curtailment of the plan which compelled the architect to place a compressed west façade on a high socle, eliminated the door.

From Project Gutenberg

Individual salads, when served for suppers, buffet lunches, etc., may be placed around graduated socles in a pyramid.

From Project Gutenberg

Above this rose a platform in the same manner as that below, but smaller; and upon every corner, on the projection of a socle, sat a figure of the size of life, or rather more.

From Project Gutenberg

On a high socle of marble countless spears and partisans stood in a row, and were joined together by their upper ends, which were singularly ornamented.

From Project Gutenberg

Two finely carved pyramids arose gloriously at the two extremes of the socle, which they confronted.

From Project Gutenberg