modillion

English

Etymology

Borrowed from Italian modiglione. Doublet of moellon.

Noun

modillion (plural modillions)

1. (architecture) A decoratively carved supporting block atop a column.
   • 1922, Claude Fayette Bragdon in The Beautiful Necessity: Seven Essays on Theosophy and Architecture, Essay II, Unity and Polarity

     The familiar classic console or modillion is an example: although in general contour it is well adapted to its function as a supporting bracket, embedded in, and projecting from a wall, yet the scroll-like ornament with which its sides are embellished gives it the appearance of not entering the wall at all, but of being stuck against it in some miraculous manner.

Related terms

• moellon
• mutule