Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
corbelled

corbelled

1 9.8
A wall with stones or bricks sticking out to hold weight above
  • adjective
  • /ˈkɔrbəld/
  • Specialized
: con ménsulas
  • Many medieval castles feature corbelled parapets for support and decoration.

Examples

  • A series of corbelled ledges projected from the face of the old tower.

  • The ancient temple features a corbelled roof.

  • The ancient stone doorway was corbelled to create a gentle arch.

  • Is the bridge built with corbelled stones?

  • The ancient temple features a corbelled roof that elegantly supports the structure above.

  • Many medieval castles feature corbelled parapets, which provide both support and decorative appeal.

  • A series of corbelled ledges projected from the face of the old tower, showcasing impressive architectural design.

Surface Forms

corbelled positive

Morphology

corbelled = corbel (semi-transparent) = corbel + led

The word 'corbelled' is derived from 'corbel', but the suffix '-led' indicates a past participle form, which may not be immediately clear to all learners.

Etymology

Corbelled comes from the old word corbel, which meant 'little crow' and comes from Latin corvus 'crow' because the stone that sticks out looked like a bird's beak. So a corbelled wall has stones or bricks that 'stick out' from the face to hold the weight above.