What is "antefix"

Antefix \An"te*fix`\, n.; pl. E. Antefixes; L. Antefixa. [L. ante + fixus fixed.] (Arch.)

1. An ornament fixed upon a frieze.

2. An ornament at the eaves, concealing the ends of the joint tiles of the roof.

3. An ornament of the cymatium of a classic cornice, sometimes pierced for the escape of water.

1. n. carved ornament at the eaves of a tile roof concealing the joints between tiles

2. [also: antefixa (pl)]

An antefix (from Latin antefigere, to fasten before) is a vertical block which terminates the covering tiles of the roof of a tiled roof. In grand buildings the face of each stone ante-fix was richly carved, often with the anthemion ornament. In less grand buildings moulded ceramic ante-fixae, usually terracotta, might be decorated with figures or other ornament, especially in the Roman period. By this time they were found on many large buildings, including private houses.