Mask
or NOTCH-HEAD, is the technical term in ecclesiastical architecture for a kind of corbel, the shadow of which bears a close resemblance to that of the human face. It is common in some districts in work of the 13th and 14th centuries, and is usually carved under the eaves as a corbel-table. A good example occurs in Portsmouth Church, where it is mixed with the tooth-ornament. It is a favorite ornament in Northamptonshire in the cornices of the broad spire, and under the parapet of the chancel; but it is by no means confined to any particular district. — Parker, Glossary of Architecture, s.v.
The Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological, and Ecclesiastical Literature was edited by John McClintock and James Strong. It contains nearly 50,000 articles pertaining to Biblical and other religious literature, people, creeds, etc. It is a fantastic research tool for broad Christian study.
John McClintock was born October 27, 1814 in Philadelphia to Irish immigrants, John and Martha McClintock. He began as a clerk in his father's store, and then became a bookkeeper in the Methodist Book Concern in New York. Here he converted to Methodism and considered joining the ministry. McClintock entered the University of Pennsylvania in 1832 and graduated with high honors three years later. Subsequently, he was awarded a doctorate of divinity degree from the same institution in 1848.WikipediaRead More