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Glite Dictionary
💰 A tax on goods 🏛️ Base of arch
impost

impost

9.9
A block of stone at the base of an arch that supports the curved top
  • noun
  • /ˈɪmˌpɔst/
  • Specialized
translation icon : imposte
  • Each side of the gateway featured a carved impost supporting the stone arch above.

Examples

  • The mason carefully placed the impost before beginning work on the arch itself.

  • Damage to the impost weakened the entire structure of the ancient bridge.

  • The impost is crucial for the stability of the arch.

  • The ancient Roman architecture featured beautifully carved imposts.

  • The engineer examined the impost to ensure it could support the weight of the new arch.

  • Renovations included restoring the impost that held up the grand archway in the cathedral.

  • When rebuilding the bridge, the workers paid special attention to the impost for structural integrity.

Synonyms

springer
vsimpost
  • Specialized
22 9.9

The bottom stone of an arch that starts the curve

is identical in meaning but uses a different technical name

Surface Forms

impost singular
imposts plural

Etymology

Impost comes from the Latin verb imponere meaning 'to place on'. It was used for the block of stone 'placed on' a column to start an arch, so the name simply says this part supports the arch.