Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
shouldered arch

shouldered arch

9.9
An arch with a horizontal beam resting on stones that stick in from each side of an opening
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : arco con hombros
  • The entrance featured a shouldered arch supported by intricately carved stone corbels.

Examples

  • Medieval builders often used the shouldered arch design in church doorways for added strength.

  • Preservationists carefully restored the shouldered arch above the castle window.

  • Look at that shouldered arch!

  • The shouldered arch adds a unique character to the structure.

  • The entrance featured a shouldered arch supported by intricately carved stone corbels.

  • Medieval builders often used the shouldered arch design in church doorways for added strength.

  • Preservationists carefully restored the shouldered arch above the castle window.

Synonyms

arch
vsshouldered arch
41 3.5

A curved structure that spans an opening and supports weight

is built with a horizontal lintel on corbels projecting inward
archway
vsshouldered arch
16 4.0

A curved opening people walk through, often made of stone or brick

is formed by a horizontal lintel resting on corbels that project inward

Surface Forms

shouldered arch singular
shouldered arches plural

Morphology

shouldered + arch

The compound literally combines 'shouldered' + 'arch', so a learner who knows both words can infer an arch that has 'shoulder'-like projections and get a general idea of its shape. However, the precise architectural meaning (a lintel on corbels projecting inward) is technical and not fully predictable from the words alone, so domain knowledge or exposure is needed.

Etymology

Shouldered arch names an arch whose sides have stone shoulders that stick out a little to hold up a flat top stone. So, the phrase describes this kind of arch used to 'support' doorways and windows.