glyph
(glɪf)
[ad. Gr. γλυϕή carving, carved work, f. γλύϕ-ειν to cut out, carve. Cf. F. glyphe (1701 in Hatz.-Darm.).]
1. A sculptured mark or symbol. rare. (Cf. hieroglyph.)
| 1825 Coleridge Aids Refl. (1848) I. 204 They were originally symbolical glyphs or sculptures, and afterwards translated into words. 1861 G. Moore Lost Tribes 196 The sacred law is named ‘Tára’, and..is represented by ten upright glyphs, rolls or pillars. 1895 Hoffmann Begin. Writing ii. 19 The glyphs, made in intaglio, relievo, and intaglio-relievo, were divided into two classes, pure and linear. |
2. Arch. A groove or channel, usually vertical, used as an ornament, esp. in the Doric frieze. Cf. triglyph.
| [1727–41 Chambers Cycl., Glyphe, or Glyphis, in sculpture and architecture, a general name for any cavity, or canal, whether round, or terminating in an angle; used as an ornament, in any part.] 1775 Ash, Glyph. 1818 in Todd. 1837 Penny Cycl. VII. 281/2 The triglyphs..are upright, slightly projecting tablets..channelled with two grooves or glyphs (γλυϕαί), and with a half groove chamfering off each of its outer edges. 1842–59 Gwilt Archit. i. ii. (ed. 4) 58 In the Doric order, the ends of these joists were called triglyphs, from their being sculptured with two whole and two half glyphs or channels. |