ashlar

ashlar (ASH-ler) - n., a square-cut building stone; such stones collectively; masonry made with such stones; a thin, dressed rectangle of stone for facing walls; (carpentry) a short stud between joists and sloping rafters, especially near the eaves. v., to face (a wall) with ashlars.


In use since the 14th century, earlier spelling ascheler, from Middle French aisselier, crossbeam (the stone sense is unique to English), from aissele, board, diminutive of ais, plank, from Latin Latin assis/axis, board/plank (presumably not the same axis as in an axle?).

---L.