surbase

American  

[sur-beys] / ˈsɜrˌbeɪs /

noun

Architecture.

1. a molding above a base, bases, as that immediately above a baseboard, the crowning molding of a pedestal, etc.

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surbase British  

/ ˈsɜːˌbeɪs /

noun

1. the uppermost part, such as a moulding, of a pedestal, base, or skirting Compare subbase

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Other Word Forms

• surbasement noun

Etymology

Origin of surbase

First recorded in 1670–80; sur- ¹ + base ¹

Example Sentences

Rub the bedsteads in the joints with equal parts of spirits of turpentine and kerosene oil, and the cracks of the surbase in rooms where there are many.

From Burroughs' Encyclopaedia of Astounding Facts and Useful Information, 1889 by Burroughs, Barkham

A nicely paneled dado with dark-capped surbase along the opposite wall greatly enriches the effect.

From The Colonial Architecture of Philadelphia by Cousins, Frank

She stood kicking her heel against the surbase, silently watching the sparkling machine.

From The Governess by Chickering, Charles R.

Mr. Tebbutts here passed out of the incident into the night, and the Aussolas Martin Cat was swallowed up by a large hole in the surbase in the corner of the first landing.

From In Mr. Knox's Country by Ross, Martin

On the landing dainty little fluted pilasters support the surbase, their fine scale lending much grace and refinement.

From The Colonial Architecture of Philadelphia by Cousins, Frank