ˈflying ˈbuttress
A prop or stay (usually carried by a segment of an arch), springing from a pier or other support, and abutting against a structure, for the purpose of resisting thrust. = arc-boutant, arch-buttress (arch n. III).
| 1669 Sir C. Wren in C. Wren Parentalia (1750) 304 The Ailes, from whence arise Bows or Flying Buttresses to the Walls of the Navis. 1828 Scott F.M. Perth iv, One of the flying buttresses of the chapel. 1874 Parker Goth. Archit. i. iv. 150 The Flying Buttress..is often found in Norman work, but concealed under the roof of the triforium. |