Skewbacks

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

  1. Masonry elements that form the inclined surface from which an arch springs ; the supporting stones laid at an angle at the base of an arch ; blocks positioned to transfer the arch's weight into the wall below
  2. Sloping supports in masonry used as the foundation for arches ; specially inclined blocks that anchor the bases of arches ; angled structural stones that help distribute the load of an arch
  3. Architectural components providing an angled bed for arches to rest on ; foundation stones set at a slant to sustain arches ; masonry pieces designed to channel the forces of an arch into the supporting structure

Etymology: The term "skewbacks" finds its origins in the world of architecture and masonry, referring to a specific structural element. A skewback is the sloping stone or brick at the springing point of an arch, designed to support the arch’s weight and transfer it smoothly to the vertical supports beneath. The plural form, "skewbacks," naturally denotes multiple such elements within a structure. This word dates back to at least the 16th or 17th century in English architectural terminology, emerging as builders and masons needed precise language to describe the parts of increasingly complex stone arches. Its formation combines "skew," meaning slanting or oblique, derived from the Old Norse "skjūgr," with "back," referencing the supporting surface or part of a structure. Together, they paint a vivid picture of a slanted support, crucial in distributing forces in arches. The use of "skew" in this context is particularly interesting because it underscores the angled nature of the stones, emphasizing that these are not flat or vertical supports but ones set at an angle to accommodate the arch’s curve. This distinguishes skewbacks from other architectural terms related to arches, such as "springers," which are the first stones from which an arch springs, or "keystones," the central topmost stones locking the arch in place. While the word remains specialized, it connects to a broader architectural lexicon where descriptive compound terms were common to convey precise construction details. The survival of "skewbacks" in technical discussions today reflects the continuity of traditional masonry knowledge and the importance of these subtle structural components in historical and contemporary arch construction.

Synonyms: arches, supports

Antonyms: straight backs