ashlars
|ash-lar|
🇺🇸
/ˈæʃ.lər/
🇬🇧
/ˈæʃ.lə/
(ashlar)
finely dressed, squared building stone
Etymology
'ashlar' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'eschalier' (and related Anglo-Norman forms), with roots associated with work by a cutting tool (linked to Latin 'ascia' meaning 'adze').
'ashlar' changed from Old French 'eschalier' (and Anglo-Norman variants) into Middle English forms such as 'aslar' and eventually became the modern English word 'ashlar'.
Initially, it meant 'stone shaped or dressed with a cutting tool', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a squared, dressed stone used in building'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
plural form of 'ashlar': a squared, finely dressed stone used in building, typically laid in regular horizontal courses with very thin joints.
The castle's exterior was constructed from massive ashlars, each block precisely squared and fitted.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/10/28 10:48