Glossary
A. Tower
A. : Spire: A sharply pointed pyramidal structure surmounting a tower.
B. : Buttress/Abutment System: A projecting or free-standing support built into or against the exterior wall of a cathedral, which steadies the structure by opposing the lateral thrusts from the vaults. The appearance of double span flying buttresses first occurred at Saint-Denis.
C. : Rose window: A large round window on the west facade or transept, containing tracery that became more elaborate as the Gothic era progressed.
C. : Tracery: Geometrically constructed building ornament such as a foil found in the upper part of Gothic rose windows. This type of stonework decoration became more complex during the High Gothic and Flamboyant phase.
D. : Lancet window: A narrow window with sharp pointed arches. Starting with Amiens, lancets were often subdivided into two and topped by a smaller rose window. Prior to this, lancets were typically surmounted by an oculus or round opening.