GLOSSARY OF ARCHITECTURAL TERMS
Abacus.—The uppermost division of the capital, or head of a column, originally square and plain, in later styles more or less decorated with moulding, and in the Early English and Decorated periods generally circular or polygonal. In classic architecture it supported the horizontal superstructure of the entablature, but in Gothic architecture the arch rises directly from it.
Apse.—The round or polygonal end of a chancel.
Architrave.—The lowest division of the entablature in classic architecture; ornamental moulding round the exterior curve of an arch or round the openings of doors and windows, etc.
Ashlar.—Hewn stone.
Aumbrey or Almery.—A cupboard for containing the sacred vessels.
Ball-Flower Moulding.—Ornament resembling a ball enclosed in a globular flower of three petals.
Baluster.—A small turned wooden pillar, generally circular.