mascaron

/mæskɑːrɒn/

Definitions

1. noun

A decorative carving of a grotesque or imaginary creature, often in the form of a lion’s head or a chimera, used to ornament a building or a wall, especially in Italian or Spanish architecture.

“The medieval church was adorned with intricate stone carvings, including several mascarons that seemed to come alive in the flickering candlelight.”

Synonyms

  • chimera
  • grotesque

Antonyms

  • angelic
  • seraphic