gargoyle

[gahr-goil] /ˈgɑr gɔɪl/
noun
1.
a grotesquely carved figure of a human or animal.
2.
a spout, terminating in a grotesque representation of a human or animal figure with open mouth, projecting from the gutter of a building for throwing rain water clear of a building.
Origin
1250-1300; Middle English gargoile < Old French gargouille, gargoule literally, throat; see gargle
Related forms
gargoyled, adjective
Examples from the web for gargoyle
  • The idea for a gargoyle finial came from a fireplace mantel.
  • Every few minutes each portrait purses its lips and spouts a jet of water, metamorphosing into a high-tech gargoyle.
  • He also used a heavy gargoyle statue to crush her head.
  • The intersection of this facade roof with the slightly protected west tower is embellished with a single red stone gargoyle.
British Dictionary definitions for gargoyle

gargoyle

/ˈɡɑːɡɔɪl/
noun
1.
a waterspout carved in the form of a grotesque face or creature and projecting from a roof gutter, esp of a Gothic church
2.
any grotesque ornament or projection, esp on a building
3.
a person with a grotesque appearance
Derived Forms
gargoyled, adjective
Word Origin
C15: from Old French gargouille gargoyle, throat; see gargle
Word Origin and History for gargoyle
n.

"grotesque carved waterspout," late 13c., gargurl, from Old French gargole "throat, waterspout" (see gargle).

gargoyle in Culture

gargoyle definition


A sculpture depicting grotesque human shapes or evil spirits used in many buildings of the Middle Ages, most notably on Gothic cathedrals. Some gargoyles drained rainwater, sending it clear of the walls of the building.

gargoyle in Technology


A language for compiler writing.
[J.V. Garwick, CACM 7(1):16-20, (Jan 1964)].
(1994-11-04)