gargoyle

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   a grotesquely carved waterspout that carries rainwater away from a building

   Rain poured from the stone gargoyle high above the cathedral door.

2. 2
   noun

   a grotesque carved figure used as architectural decoration, whether or not it carries water

   A row of grimacing gargoyles watched over the roofline.

From Old French gargouille ("throat, waterspout"), a word imitating a gurgling sound and related to gargle. The projecting carved mouth originally served as the outlet for roof water.

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