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C

Cancellus
(plural: Cancelli) Barriers which correspond to the modern balustrade

or railing, especially the screen dividing the body of a church from the part
occupied by the ministers hence chancel. The Romans employed cancelli
to partition off portions of the courts of law.

Cantilever
An unsupported overhang acting as a lever, like a flagpole sticking out
of the side of a wall.

Capital
The topmost member of a column (or pilaster).

Caryatid
A sculpted female figure serving as an architectural support taking the
place of a column or a pillar supporting an entablature on her head.

Casement window
Window hung vertically, hinged one side, so that it swings inward or
outward.

Cauliculus, or caulicole
Stalks (eight in number) with two leaves from which rise the helices
or spiral scrolls of the Corinthian capital to support the abacus.

Cella
The inner chamber of a temple in classical architecture.
Chalcidicum

In Roman architecture, the vestibule or portico of a public building
opening on to the forum, as in the basilica of Eumachia at Pompeii, and the
basilica of Constantine at Rome, where it was placed at one end. See: La-

cunar.
Chandrashala
The circular or horseshoe arch that decorates many Indian cave tem-

ples and shrines.
Chimera

Chimera, as an architectural feature, means a fantastic, mythical or
grotesque figure used for decorative purposes.
Chimney
A structure which provides ventilation.

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