Hances

/ˈhænsɪz/ noun

Definition

Plural of hance; multiple curved transitions in arches or the haunches of arches in architectural structures.

Etymology

Plural form of the architectural term 'hance,' maintaining the same etymological root from Old French referring to the hip or curved side portions of arches.

Kelly Says

When architects described their designs, they had to carefully plan each hance because getting the curve wrong could mean the entire arch would fail—so these technical terms were literally matters of life, death, and rubble!

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