Finial

Finial

The finial is an architectural device, typically carved in stone and employed to decoratively emphasize the apex of a gable, or any of various distinctive ornaments at the top, end, or corner of a building or structure. Smaller finials can be used as a decorative ornament on the ends of curtain rods or applied to chairs and furniture. These are frequently seen on top of bed posts or clocks. Decorative finials are also commonly used to fasten lampshades, and as an ornamental element at the end of the handles of souvenir spoons.Finials can also be decorative members at the ends of curtain rods. An architectural finial can also function as a lightning rod, and was once believed to act as a deterrent to witches on broomsticks attempting to land on one's roof. Finial is also a term given to straw animals at the ridges of thatched cottages. Finial maker is the term given to the artisan that makes the straw animal.

Flagpoles

A "ball-style" finial is commonly mounted to the top of a stationary flagpole. This is sometimes (mistakenly) called a "truck", which is the mechanism that connects the finial to the pole. An urban legend says the ball contains a razor, lighter, and flare. According to the legend, the items were meant to be used to destroy the flag in case the post was overrun by the enemy. A related and less pleasant version says the finial should have a bullet, knife, and matches so the last surviving soldier can continue fighting (with the knife), and if need be destroy the flag with matches (to prevent it from being captured), and take his own life with the bullet.
In actuality, the finial of a flagpole is generally inaccessible, and contains nothing.

See also

* Acroterion
* Crocket

References

External links

* [http://wordsmith.org/words/finial.html Word-of-the-day on "finial"]


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Look at other dictionaries:

  • Finial — Fin i*al, n. [L. finire to finish, end. See {Finish}.] (Arch.) The knot or bunch of foliage, or foliated ornament, that forms the upper extremity of a pinnacle in Gothic architecture; sometimes, the pinnacle itself. [1913 Webster] …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • finial — ornament at the top of a spire, gable, etc., mid 15c., from fyniall putting an end to, binding (early 15c.), a variant of FINAL (Cf. final) …   Etymology dictionary

  • finial — ► NOUN 1) a distinctive section or ornament at the highest point of a roof, pinnacle, or similar structure. 2) an ornament at the top, end, or corner of an object. ORIGIN from Latin finis end …   English terms dictionary

  • finial — [fin′ē əl; ] Brit [ fī′nēəl] n. [ME, orig. adj., FINAL] a decorative, terminal part at the tip of a spire, gable, lamp shade support, etc., or projecting upward from the top of a cabinet, breakfront, etc …   English World dictionary

  • finial — Knop Knop (n[o^]p), n. [OE. knop, knoppe; cf. D. knop, knoop, G. knopf, Dan. knap, knop, Sw. knapp, knopp, button, bud, Icel. knappr, and E. knap, n. Cf. {Knap}, {Knob}.] 1. A knob; a bud; a bunch; a button. [1913 Webster] Four bowls made like… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • finial — noun Etymology: Middle English, from final, finial final Date: 15th century 1. a usually foliated ornament forming an upper extremity especially in Gothic architecture 2. a crowning ornament or detail (as a decorative knob) …   New Collegiate Dictionary

  • finial — finialed, adj. /fin ee euhl, fuy nee /, n. 1. Archit. a relatively small, ornamental, terminal feature at the top of a gable, pinnacle, etc. 2. an ornamental termination to the top of a piece of furniture, or of one part of such a piece. 3.… …   Universalium

  • finial — Концевой элемент (Terminal, Finial)     Окончание штриха [линии, составляющие знак шрифта] без засечки [короткий штрих на торце основного штриха] …   Шрифтовая терминология

  • finial — fin•i•al [[t]ˈfɪn i əl, ˈfaɪ ni [/t]] n. 1) archit. a relatively small ornamental terminal feature at the top of a gable or spire 2) fur a terminating ornament, as on the top of a post or a piece of furniture 3) pri a curve terminating the main… …   From formal English to slang

  • finial — noun /ˈfɪn.i.əl/ a) The knot or bunch of foliage, or foliated ornament, that forms the upper extremity of a pinnacle in Gothic architecture. b) Any decorative fitting at the peak of a gable, or on the top of a flagpole, fence post or staircase… …   Wiktionary

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