Corbiestep

/ˈkɔrbiˌstɛp/ noun

Definition

A style of decorative stepped gable found on Scottish and Dutch buildings, shaped like the wings or feathers of a bird.

Etymology

From 'corbie' (a raven) and 'step,' referring to the stepped outline that resembles a bird's wing pattern. Common in 16th-17th century Scottish architecture.

Kelly Says

These distinctive stepping gables are called 'corbies' because the outline actually looks like a crow's feathered wing when viewed from the side—Scottish builders were poetic engineers!

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