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The Gargoyle

Gar•goyle [gahr-goil] n.

A grotesque stone-carved figure which wards off evil.

Used in architecture as a spout, terminating in a representation of a human or animal figure with an open mouth, projecting from the gutter of a building for throwing rain water clear of the structure.

Origin:
1250–1300;  ME gargoile  < OF gargouille, gargoule  lit., throat; see gargle >

Related forms:
gargoyled, adj.