(French: gargouille, throat) Projecting spout to discharge rainwater from the roof-gutters of buildings. In Gothic architecture they were grotesquely carved to represent the heads of men, demons, and beasts symbolic of various characteristics; the lion, of courage; the fox, of cunning. Some of them are famous, notably those of Notre Dame in Paris; in France it is said there are no two alike. Gargoyles are now used merely for ornamentation.
This dictionary contains not only definitions and explanations of every subject in Religion, Scripture, tradition, doctrine, morals, sacraments, rites, customs, devotions and symbolism, but also accounts of the Church in every continent, country, diocese; missions, notable Catholic centers, cities, and places with religious names; religious orders, church societies, sects and false religions. It has brief articles also on historical events and personages, on the Old Testament and New, and on popes, prelates, priests, men and women of distinction, showing what the Church has done for civilization and correcting many errors which have hitherto passed for history.Wikipedia
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