Definition

1. Noun:
   • (Architecture) A gable having corbie-steps or corbel steps: A "corbie gable" is a specific architectural feature. It refers to a gable (the triangular upper part of a wall at the end of a ridged roof) that is stepped or notched in a stair-step pattern, rather than forming a smooth, straight slope. This stepped design is created using corbie-steps (also called corbel steps or crow steps).

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The medieval Scottish castle was distinguished by its prominent corbie gables.
  • The architect incorporated a corbie gable into the design to give the building a traditional Flemish character.

Advanced Usage

• Architectural Style: The corbie gable is a hallmark of Northern European, particularly Scottish and Flemish, vernacular and Gothic architecture.
  • The row of 17th-century merchants' houses is easily identified by their distinctive corbie gables.

Variants and Related Words

• Corbie-step (noun): An individual stone step in a corbie gable; also called a crow step or corbel step.
  • Each corbie-step was carefully carved from local sandstone.
• Crow-stepped gable (noun): A synonym for "corbie gable."
  • The building's crow-stepped gable is a protected historical feature.

Synonyms

• Crow-stepped gable: The most common direct synonym.
• Stepped gable: A more general descriptive term.

Related Phrases

• To feature a corbie gable: Used to describe a building's architectural style.
  • The old town hall features a magnificent corbie gable.

Noun

1. (architecture) a gable having corbie-steps or corbel steps