The term ashlar is of French origin and dates back to the early thirteenth century, when it was commonly used to refer to finely cut and well-dressed building stones. From a linguistic perspective, the term has been subject to a number of morphological transformations, from its original form aschier to its current meaning of ‘precisely cut blocks of stone.’ Historically, the word has been used to refer to the high-quality stone used for the construction of noble and religious edifices, such as castles and cathedrals. The word is typically used in reference to the craftsperson who works the stone by means of a chisel, thus creating large and small rectangles with uniform and perfect faces. In terms of pragmatics, the term ashlar is often used to refer to the materials and tools used in the construction of such structures, such as chisels, stone, and tools. As such, it is a term of technical specificity and artistry that has been used to refer to a particular aspect of architecture that is difficult to replicate.
Etymology, Morphology, Stone, Chisel, Pragmatics
Ashlar is a noun, referring to masonry work consisting of squared blocks, stones, or bricks cut to specific dimensions. Synonyms for Ashlar include blockwork, brickwork, stonework, and masonry. Antonyms include debris, mess, and wreckage. Cognates include the Latin words asser meaning a squared piece of timber and saxum meaning a stone. Variants of Ashlar include Ashlaring, Ashlared, and Ashlarers.
etymology morphology lexicography lexeme lexical semantics lexicalisation
The term Ashlar refers to stone blocks or masonry cut in a cuboid shape to give a symmetrical appearance and to facilitate easy construction. The word is interchangeable with other terms in different languages, such as Danish Kvadersten, Dutch Kwadraatsteen, Arctic jade Piniarfik, Norwegian skifer Kvader, Italian Squarrato, Polish Kwadratowy, Catalan Blocs Quadrats, Swedish Kvadratsten, French Carrelage, Hungarian Kockakő, Spanish Mamposteria, German Wandstein and Portuguese Moorish.
Danish Kvadersten, Dutch Kwadraatsteen, Arctic jade Piniarfik, Norwegian skifer Kvader, Italian Squarrato, Polish Kwadratowy, Catalan Blocs Quadrats, Swedish Kvadratsten, French Carrelage, Hungarian Kockakő, Spanish Mamposteria, German Wandstein, Portugue
Ashlar is an architectural term used to describe a pattern of cut stone blocks that are laid in regular courses and bonded together with mortar. The stone blocks are finely dressed and typically rectangular, but can come in different shapes and sizes. Ashlar is often used to construct decorative facades, and is also popularly used in the construction of interior and exterior walls, window and door surrounds, arches, and other structures. The use of ashlar allows for a wide array of creative possibilities, as the patterns can be varied and tailored to the needs of any design.
Architecture, Masonry, Stone work.
CITATION : "Lauren Moore. 'Ashlar.' Design+Encyclopedia. https://design-encyclopedia.com/?E=189991 (Accessed on April 01, 2023)"
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