ashlar

noun

ash·​lar ˈash-lər 

1

: hewn or squared stone

also : masonry of such stone

2

: a thin squared and dressed stone for facing a wall of rubble or brick

Examples of ashlar in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Without mortar, using a technique called ashlar, the Inca fit finely carved granite stones together with such precision that a piece of paper cannot be inserted between them. —Cody Cottier, Discover Magazine, 18 Mar. 2021

Word History

Etymology

Middle English asheler, from Anglo-French aiseler, from Old French, traverse beam, from aissele, diminutive of ais plank, from Latin axis, alteration of assis

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1