arrière-voussure

noun

arrière-vous·​sure

-ˌvüˈsu̇(ə)r

plural -s

1

: an inner or rear arch in a thick wall that carries the inner part of that wall

especially : such an arch over a door or window frame

2

: a relieving arch behind the face of a wall

Word History

Etymology

French, literally, rear arching, from arrière rear, behind + voussure arching, bend of an arch, from (assumed) Vulgar Latin volsura, from volsus (past participle of Latin volvere to roll) + Latin -ura -ure

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