An architectural device used as a transisition from a square to polygonal or circular base for a Dome. It may be composed from post lintel construction, corbel arches, or standard arches.

#########################
#@@/                 \@@#  VIEW FROM ABOVE
#@/+---Squinch-------+\@#
#/                     \#
#                       #+------square base for dome
#       (dome)          #
#                       #
#\                     /#
#@\+---Squinch-------+/@#
#@@\                 /@@#
#########################



       ___________
      /           \
     /   (dome)    \ 
####/               \####
#@@/                 \@@#
#@/+---Squinch-------+\@# SIDE VIEW
#'                     '#
#                       #
#                       #
#                       #
#########################

Squinch (?), n. [Corrupted fr. sconce.] Arch.

A small arch thrown across the corner of a square room to support a superimposed mass, as where an octagonal spire or drum rests upon a square tower; -- called also sconce, and sconcheon.

 

© Webster 1913.