Crossword clues for finial
finial
The Collaborative International Dictionary
Knop \Knop\ (n[o^]p), n. [OE. knop, knoppe; cf. D. knop, knoop, G. knopf, Dan. knap, knop, Sw. knapp, knopp, button, bud, Icel. knappr, and E. knap, n. Cf. Knap, Knob.]
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A knob; a bud; a bunch; a button.
Four bowls made like unto almonds, with their knops and their flowers.
--Ex. xxv. 21. -
(Arch.) Any boldly projecting sculptured ornament; esp., the ornamental termination of a pinnacle, and then synonymous with finial; -- called also knob, and knosp.
Knop sedge (Bot.), the bur reed ( Sparganium); -- so called from its globular clusters of seed vessels.
--Prior.
Douglas Harper's Etymology Dictionary
"ornament at the top of a spire, gable, etc.," mid-15c., from fyniall "putting an end to, binding" (early 15c.), a variant of final.
Wiktionary
n. 1 The knot or bunch of foliage, or foliated ornament, that forms the upper extremity of a pinnacle in Gothic architecture. 2 Any decorative fitting at the peak of a gable, or on the top of a flagpole, fence post or staircase newel post.
WordNet
n. an ornament at the top of a spire or gable; usually a foliated fleur-de-lis
Wikipedia
A finial is an element marking the top or end of some object, often formed to be a decorative feature. In architecture it is a decorative device, typically carved in stone, employed decoratively to emphasize the apex of a dome, spire, tower, roof, or gable or any of various distinctive ornaments at the top, end, or corner of a building or structure. Where there are several such elements they may be called pinnacles. Smaller finials in materials such as metal or wood are used as a decorative ornament on the tops or ends of poles or rods such as tent-poles or curtain rods or any object such as a piece of furniture. These are frequently seen on top of bed posts or clocks. Decorative finials are also commonly used to fasten lampshades, and as an ornamental element at the end of the handles of souvenir spoons. The charm at the end of a pull chain (such as for a ceiling fan or a lamp) is also known as a finial.
During the various dynasties in China, a finial was worn on the top of the hats civil or military officials wore during formal court ceremonies. The finial was changed to a knob for other daily usage (including semi-formal ceremonies).
Usage examples of "finial".
Lord Confalume had had fashioned for himself, with those three immense many-faceted purple diniabas gleaming in its browband, and its finials of emeralds and rubies, and its inlaid chasings of seven different precious metals.
The courtier was a bit obvious in his admiration of the dog and lion finials and linenfold panels that decorated this piece of oak and walnut furniture.
Atop the walls to each side, they were spaced at intervals of no more than three feet, each sitting on its own square of lichen-splotched stone, each clean of growth, looking like so many finials with eye sockets and toothy grins.
CHAPTER 37 FROM ALTERNATING BRONZE-BALL AND BRONZE-flame finials, from cast panels of arabesques, from darts and twists and frets and scallops and leaves, from griffins and heraldic emblems, black and silver rain dripped and drizzled off the Manheim gate.
Of course it was nothing to compare with the authentic crown, with its inlays and chasings of seven different precious metals, its finials of rare gems, its three gleaming diniabastones mounted on the browband.
Up this rocky path and past this flowering plum to vanished Changan, a seven-story stone pagoda with gilded finials.