Oriel Window

Oriel Window, a projecting window in an upper story, supported on corbels, having more sides than one, usually three, and commonly divided into bays by mullions. It is one of the most picturesque features in mediæval and Elizabethan domestic architecture, and adds much to the convenience of the interior. The word oriel (Mid. Lat. oriolum, probably dim. from os, oris, as if a small opening or recess) formerly meant a chamber or apartment, and a window is so called which makes, as it were, a small apartment off a large room. By old writers oriels are called Bay Windows (q.v.).