entablature Meaning, Definition & Usage

noun (architecture) the structure consisting of the part of a classical temple above the columns between a capital and the roof

OF. entablature: cf. It intavolatura, fr. LL. intabulare to construct a basis; L. in + tabulatum board work, flooring, fr. tabula. See Table.

(Arch.) The superstructure which lies horizontally upon the columns. See Illust. of Column, Cornice. ✍ It is commonly divided into architrave, the part immediately above the column; frieze, the central space; and cornice, the upper projecting moldings. Parker.