A pile of masonry built at right angles to a wall to strengthen it at certain points to resist the thrust of vaulting. Its extensive use on the exterior of ecclesiastical buildings became necessary when the medieval builders substituted vaulting for wooden trabeated roofs, and variations ranged from massive supports embedded in the wall to graceful counter-thrusts touching it only at points. The flying buttress, which became the most distinctive characteristic of Gothic architecture, originated in France in the 12th century when ribbed vaulting was extended to the nave. It consists of a straight band of stone covered by a half-arch which transmits the thrust of a vault across an open space to a pier independent of the main structure. In five-aisled churches it sometimes crosses both aisles in a single span (Notre Dame, Paris) and sometimes in two spans (Rheims; Amiens).
This dictionary contains not only definitions and explanations of every subject in Religion, Scripture, tradition, doctrine, morals, sacraments, rites, customs, devotions and symbolism, but also accounts of the Church in every continent, country, diocese; missions, notable Catholic centers, cities, and places with religious names; religious orders, church societies, sects and false religions. It has brief articles also on historical events and personages, on the Old Testament and New, and on popes, prelates, priests, men and women of distinction, showing what the Church has done for civilization and correcting many errors which have hitherto passed for history.Wikipedia
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