Lude Meaning and Definition
Lude
Pronunciation
/luːd/
Part of Speech
Noun or Adjective
Definition
A lude is a type of decorative architectural feature, typically found in ancient buildings, characterized by a rounded or square frame with a large stone or metal cross piece on top, often supporting a tiered roof or a vault.
Examples
- The ancient temple featured a series of ludes along the roofline.
- The ludes on the cathedral’s facade were intricately carved with intricate designs.
Synonyms
- Lintel
- Cornice
Antonyms
- Column
Etymology
The etymology of the word ‘Lude’ is uncertain, but it is believed to have originated in Middle English, possibly derived from the Old English word ‘hlaedu’, meaning ‘a roof or a covering’.
Usage Notes
Lude is often used to describe architectural features, but it can also be used more broadly to refer to any rounded or square frame with a cross piece.
Cultural References
Lude has been featured in several architectural and historical texts, including the works of Vitruvius and Viollet-le-Duc.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- The lude bears the weight of the roof.
Related Words or Phrases
- Raft
- Beam
Collocations
- Lude and vault
- Lude and roofline
Frequency of Use
Lude is a relatively rare term, primarily used in specialized contexts such as architecture and engineering.
Common Misspellings
- Lude
- Ludee