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Glite Dictionary
modillion

modillion

9.9
A small decorative block under the edge of a roof or cornice
  • noun
  • /məˈdɪljən/
  • Specialized
: modillón
  • The architect chose to adorn the building's cornice with carved modillions for a more classical appearance.

Examples

  • Several modillions had to be replaced during the restoration of the 18th-century façade.

  • Above the columns, a row of elegant modillions supports the extended cornice.

  • Look at that modillion!

  • The modillion was beautifully designed.

  • Above the columns, a row of elegant modillions supports the extended cornice.

  • Several modillions had to be replaced during the restoration of the 18th-century façade.

  • The architect chose to adorn the building's cornice with carved modillions for a more classical appearance.

Surface Forms

modillion singular
modillions plural

Etymology

Modillion comes from the Latin word modiolus meaning 'small measure' or 'little block', and it passed into English through French. So a modillion is easy to picture as a small carved block or bracket placed under the cornice, the top edge of a building, that both supports and decorates it.