GARGOYLE Meaning and
Definition
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A gargoyle is a sculpted stone grotesque or statue, often in the form of a fantastical or monstrous creature, typically found on the exterior walls of buildings, particularly churches or cathedrals. These architectural embellishments serve both functional and decorative purposes.
From a functional perspective, gargoyles act as ornamental waterspouts designed to redirect rainwater away from the building's walls, preventing water damage. They are positioned at the edges of roofs or parapets with a trough or opening in their mouths, allowing water to flow through their body and outwards in a controlled manner.
Gargoyles also possess a significant symbolic significance in architecture. Traditionally, these creatures were believed to ward off evil spirits and protect the building or its inhabitants from harm. In religious contexts, they often serve as a visual representation of the battle between good and evil. Their frightening and fearsome appearance was intended to both intimidate and warn intruders or evil forces.
The term "gargoyle" derives from the Old French word "gargouille," which means "throat" or "gullet," highlighting their water-spouting function. Over time, the term has expanded to encompass any type of architectural sculpture or grotesque that serves this purpose, regardless of its appearance or shape.
Today, gargoyles continue to captivate the imaginations of many, adding a touch of mystery and fantasy to architectural structures. They have become popular subjects in art, literature, and popular culture, often associated with gothic or supernatural themes.
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• One of the antic figures into which the spouts carrying off rain-water from a building were worked in Gothic architecture.
• An ornamental waterspout in stone, always more or less fantastic.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
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Etymology of GARGOYLE
The word "gargoyle" has its origins in the Old French language. It comes from the term "gargouille", which originally referred to a carved gutter spout in the shape of a monster or grotesque figure found on medieval buildings. The term "gargouille" derived from the root word "garg-" meaning "throat" or "gullet", which can be traced back to the Latin word "gargula", with the same meaning. This Latin term eventually evolved into "gargouille", and later "gargoyle" in English.
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