Gargoyle

Definitions

1. A carved grotesque figure on a spout which conveys water away from the gutters.
2. Any decorative carved grotesque figure on a building.
3. A fictional winged monster.
4. An ugly woman.
   derogatory

Equivalents

Examples

“As we went, however, I took the precaution of noting our route as well as I could; and this was not so very difficult, owing to the extraordinary and most fantastic shape⟳ of the rocks that were strewn about, many of which in that dim light⟳ looked more like⟳ the grim faces carven upon mediæval gargoyles than ordinary boulders.”

“From between set⟳ teeth came now a flow⟳ of oaths and imprecations as steady as the flow⟳ of water from the gargoyle overhead.”

“The long-closed G.W.R. station alongside has a decidedly derelict-looking frontage, with eight gargoyles or figureheads still clinging to the portico.”

“Almost immediately one of the gargoyles swept down from the sky and attacked him. The gargoyle's momentum drove them both over the side.”

“Above all, in what reckless moment had she encouraged that person and her gargoyle of a mother to move⟳ to Mayfair, and set⟳ up house around the corner?”

CEFR level