Wiktionary
n. (alternative form of acroterium English)
Wikipedia
An acroterion or acroterium is an architectural ornament placed on a flat base called the acroter or plinth, and mounted at the apex of the pediment of a building in the classical style. It may also be placed at the outer angles of the pediment; such acroteria are referred to as acroteria angularia ( means ‘at the corners’).
The acroterion may take a wide variety of forms, such as a statue, tripod, disc, urn, palmette or some other sculpted feature. Acroteria are also found in Gothic architecture. They are sometimes incorporated into the design of furniture.
The word comes from the Greek ( ‘summit, extremity’), from the superlative form of the adjective (, ‘extreme, endmost’). It was Latinized by the Romans as . Acroteria is the plural of both the original Greek and the Latin form.
Usage examples of "acroterion".
The acroterion is cast in the reclining form of a pretty young man, hands bound above his head, ankles bound as well, and a gag tied tightly across his mouth.