‖ coussinet Arch.
(ˈkʊsɪnɛt, or as F. kusinɛ)
[F. dim. of coussin, cushion.]
(See quot.)
| 1876 Gwilt Archit. Gloss., Coussinet (Fr.) or Cushion [a.] A stone placed upon the impost of a pier for receiving the first stone of an arch... [b.] The word is also used for the part of the Ionic capital between the abacus and quarter round, which serves to form the volute, and it is in the capital thus called because its appearance is that of a cushion or pillow seemingly collapsed by the weight over it. |