lunette

[loo-net] /luˈnɛt/
noun
1.
any of various objects or spaces of crescentlike or semicircular outline or section.
2.
Architecture. (in the plane of a wall) an area enframed by an arch or vault.
3.
a painting, sculpture, or window filling such an area.
4.
Fortification. a work consisting of a salient angle with two flanks and an open gorge.
5.
Ordnance. a towing ring in the trail plate of a towed vehicle, as a gun carriage.
6.
Ecclesiastical, Luna (def 3).
Origin
1570-80; < French, diminutive of lune moon < Latin lūna; see -ette
Examples from the web for lunette
  • The main figures here are less persuasive than in the final lunette.
  • The façade features a two-story pedimented portico with balcony tier, four square columns, and lunette in the gable.
  • The tympanum of both facades of the central block contain a large lunette window.
  • The tetrastyle fluted-columned portico features a semicircular lunette in the tympanum.
  • The enemy followed closely down the works, and planting their colors on the lunette of the left gun, ordered us to surrender.
  • The pavilion is capped with a pediment containing a small lunette window, identical to the two five-pane fanlights below.
  • Two square windows equipped with metal grates are on either side of the lunette at the mezzanine level.
  • Mirroring the opposite side, the end gable has a matching lunette window in the gable.
  • Within the pediment of the portico is a large four-part lunette.
  • Remained in position during same day, constructing at night lunette defenses.
British Dictionary definitions for lunette

lunette

/luːˈnɛt/
noun
1.
anything that is shaped like a crescent
2.
an oval or circular opening to admit light in a dome
3.
a semicircular panel containing a window, mural, or sculpture
4.
a ring attached to a vehicle, into which a hook is inserted so that it can be towed
5.
a type of fortification like a detached bastion
6.
(RC Church) Also called lune. a case fitted with a bracket to hold the consecrated host
Word Origin
C16: from French: crescent, from lune moon, from Latin lūna
Word Origin and History for lunette
n.

1570s, "semi-circular horseshoe," from Middle French lunette (13c.), literally "little moon," diminutive of lune "moon," from Latin luna (see luna). Later applied to a wide range of objects and ornamentations resembling a crescent moon.

Encyclopedia Article for lunette

arching aperture in a wall or concave ceiling. It may be crescent-shaped or semicircular. The word is the French diminutive of lune, "moon." Lunettes may function as windows, they may form a cove for ornament or statuary, or they may be simply a section of wall framed by an arch or vault. In the last case, the area will sometimes be decorated with a mural.

Learn more about lunette with a free trial on Britannica.com