Corbel

Corbel, in Architecture, a projection of stone or wood from the face of a wall, used for supporting pillars or other superincumbent weights. Corbels proper were originally plain on the sides and carved on the front only. Such were the Romanesque corbels, which are so numerous and so richly ornamented. The carving at first resembled the end of wooden beams, but gradually all sorts of figures were introduced, chiefly heads of men and animals. Corbels of great size were likewise used to carry the projecting parapets of castles.