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A temple or other structure where the columns of the front portico are
returned along its sides as wings at the distance of one or
two intercolumniations from the walls of thenaos or cella. Almost all the
Greek temples were peripteral, whether Doric, Ionic, or Corinthian.

Phiale
A building or columned arcade around a fountain.

Piano nobile
The principal floor of a large house, built in the style of renaissance
architecture.

Pier
An upright support for a superstructure, such as an arch or bridge.

Pilaster
A slightly-projecting column built into or applied to the face of a wall.
Planceer or Planchier
Building element sometimes used in the same sense as a soffit, but

more correctly applied to the soffit of the corona in a cornice.
Plinth

The base or platform upon which a column, pedestal, statue, monu-
ment or structure rests.
Poppyheads
Finials or other ornaments which terminate the tops of bench ends, ei-

ther to pews or stalls. They are sometimes small human heads, sometimes
richly carved images, knots of foliage or finials, and sometimes fleurs-de-
lis simply cut out of the thickness of the bench end and chamfered. The

term is probably derived from the French poupee doll or puppet used also
in this sense, or from the flower, from a resemblance in shape.
Porte-cochère

A porch- or portico-like structure at a main or secondary entrance to a
building through which a horse and carriage (or motor vehicle) can pass in
order for the occupants to alight under cover, protected from the weather.

Portico
A series of columns or arches in front of a building, generally as a
covered walkway.

Prick post
Old architectural name given sometimes to the queen posts of a roof,

and sometimes to the filling in quarters in framing.
Prostyle

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