perron
(ˈpɛrən, or as F. ‖ pɛrɔ̃)
Also 4 peroun, 5 peron.
[a. F. perron (11th c. in Littré) = Pr. peiro, peiron, It. petrone large stone, great rock, f. L. petra, F. pierre stone.]
1. A large block or solid erection of stone, with or without steps, used as a platform, the base of a market-cross, a sepulchral monument, etc.
| c 1380 Sir Ferumb. 4429 Out of þe tour þan cam he doun, And set hym on an heyȝ peroun, Y-mad as a chayre. 1470–85 Malory Arthur x. v. 419 The Peron that Merlyn had made to fore where sire Lancyor..was slayne. Ibid. lxxxvii. 568 The peron and the graue besydes Camelot. c 1530 Ld. Berners Arth. Lyt. Bryt. (1814) 133 There was pyght in the myddes of the felde a grete perron, wheron there was hanginge a riche and a goodly shelde. [1611 Cotgr., Perron..also, a square Base of stone, or mettall, some fiue or six foot high, whereon, in old time, Knights errant placed some discourse, challenge, or proofe, of an aduenture.] |
b. spec. (see quot.).
| 1863 Kirk Chas. Bold I. i. vii. 297 Liège... In the centre of the Square, on a pedestal of several steps stood a pillar... The Perron—regarded as an emblem of the civic organization..—was an object of patriotic reverence and affection. Ibid. ii. ii. 450. |
2. Arch. A platform, to which one ascends by steps, in front of a church, mansion, or other large building, and upon which the door or doors open; sometimes applied to a double flight of steps ascending to such a front door.
| [c 1475 Partenay 4974 And when that Gaffray was descendid tho, At the perron longe bode not in þat place, At castell finding hys fader by grace.] 1723 Chambers tr. Le Clerc's Treat. Archit. I. 129 By Perron we mean an Ascent or Elevation given to the Entrance of a Building. The Portail..of a Church..or any other great Building..ought to have a Perron. 1843 Thackeray Irish Sk.-bk. I. i. 39 Whiskey-and-water was ordered, which was drunk upon the perron before the house. 1862 Lytton Str. Story xxi, An imposing pile,..with..grand perron (or double flight of stairs to the entrance). 1864 Sir F. Palgrave Norm. & Eng. III. 21 Standing on the lofty Perron of the tall Ducal Palace. 1898 Quiller-Couch Stevenson's St. Ives 306 The landlord welcomed us on the perron. |