Illustrated Architecture Dictionary

Crocket


A decorative leaf carving jutting out at regular intervals on the sloped edges of gables, spires and canopies in Gothic architecture

Crocket capital: A capital having a series of crockets.

"Crocket" comes from the French "croc" which means "a hook."

Crockets have no architectural function; instead, they were used on cathedrals in imitation of the bishop's crozier (a word also derived from the French "croc") which symbolized his function as a shepherd protecting his sheep. Alternate theory: Crockets are footholds for workers.

Typical description: "crocket-carved finial."

See also: Church Vocabulary


Examples from Buffalo architecture:

Examples from Europe:


Photos and their arrangement © 2002 Chuck LaChiusa
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