An alternative or variant spelling of archivolt; the decorative molded frame that follows the curve of an arch, especially over a doorway or window in classical architecture.
A variant of 'archivolt,' from Italian 'archivolto' (from Latin 'arcus' meaning arch + Italian 'volta' meaning vault/arch). The '-vault' spelling reflects the connection to vault while 'volt' reflects the Italian root.
The archivault is what makes an arch look fancy—it's the sculptural frame that wraps around the curve, and in medieval cathedrals they often covered these with incredibly intricate carvings, almost like taking an architectural necessity and making it into a canvas for art.
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