gargoyles

     

In architecture, a gargoyle is a carve stone grotesque with a spout designed to convey water from a roof and away from the side of a building.

Trivia about gargoyles

  • Some of these waterspouts carved to look like grotesque beasts may protrude 3 feet from a cathedral
  • These grotesque stone figures acted as drain spouts as well as sentinels to frighten away evil spirits
  • The name of these grotesque figures like this one seen here comes from an old word for "throat"
  • It is incorrect to refer to grotesque carved beasts on buildings as these, unless they drain water
  • Used as waterspouts, these stone figures take their name from the Old French for "throat"