Andirons One of a pair of metal supports that is used for holding up logs in a fireplace. Also called dog, dog iron, firedog.

Allegorical In literature, a symbolic story that serves as a disguised representation for meanings other than those easily noticeable from the surface.

Aluminum leaf Aluminum hammered into thin sheets; A bright leaf or foil made of aluminum and often substituted for silver in blocking edition bindings. While it tarnishes slower than silver, it lacks a rich appearance and depth of silver leaf. It is also less expensive.

Alto-relievo Sculptural relief in which the modeled forms project from the background by at least half their depth.

Architrave The lintel or flat horizontal member that spans the space between the columns. In classical architecture it is the lowest member of an entablature.

Atlantes In architecture, atlantes are figures or half figures of men, used as columns to support the part of a structure which is immediately above the column; also the distinguishing feature of the Greek styles.

Apse In architecture an apse is a projecting part of a building, especially of a church, having in the plan a polygonal or semicircular termination. An apse most often projects from the east end.

Balustrades A balustrade is a row of small columns of pilasters, used as a support to the rail of an open parapet, to guard the side of a staircase, or the front of a gallery.

Baroque Baroque is a term first applied to ill-shaped pearls, but now denoting fantastic, bizarre, and decadent forms in art and nature. It is mostly used in connection with an architectural style. Baroque is a European style of architecture confined to churches and palaces.

Bicameral Composed of or based on two legislative chambers or branches: a bicameral legislature.

Burlap A strong, coarsely woven cloth made of fibers of jute, flax, or hemp and used to make bags, to reinforce linoleum, and in interior decoration.