Definition

1. Noun:
   • A grotesquely carved figure: A decorative architectural feature, often in the form of a strange or ugly human or animal figure, projecting from the gutter of a building, especially a Gothic church.
   • A waterspout: Specifically, a gargoyle is a spout designed to carry rainwater clear of a wall, with its open mouth serving as the outlet.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The ancient cathedral is famous for its stone gargoyles.
  • Rainwater poured from the mouth of the gargoyle.

Advanced Usage

• Metaphorical Use: The term "gargoyle" can be used to describe a person with grotesque or ugly features.
  • The old man's face was twisted into a permanent gargoyle of bitterness.

Variants and Related Words

• Gargoyled (adj): Adorned with gargoyles.
  • The gargoyled tower stood against the sky.
• Grotesque (n/adj): A type of decorative art featuring fantastical human/animal forms; bizarre or ugly in appearance. (This is a related artistic concept, not a variant of the word "gargoyle").

Synonyms

• Grotesque (when referring to the carved figure)
• Waterspout (when referring to the functional aspect)

Related Phrases

• Gargoyle-like: Resembling a gargoyle in appearance.
  • He had a gargoyle-like visage that frightened the children.

Related Idioms

• To sit like a gargoyle: To sit or perch in a still, grotesque, or menacing manner.
  • The old cat sat on the wall like a gargoyle, watching the birds.

Noun

1. an ornament consisting of a grotesquely carved figure of a person or animal
2. a spout that terminates in a grotesquely carved figure of a person or animal