Gargouille
/ɡaʁ.ɡuj/noun
A water spout or ornamental projection from a building, often shaped like a grotesque creature.
Did you know?The term 'gargouille' is linked to the legend of a dragon that terrorized the Seine, where its defeated body became the first gargoyle, warding off evil.
Etymological Timeline
Old French
Old French
gargouille
“Refers to a throat or to gargle, linked to the sound of water.”
Late Latin
Latin
gurgulio
“A throat or gullet, evoking the sound of flowing water.”
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*gʷer-
“To swallow or devour, suggesting a connection to water and consumption.”
Modern English
English
gargoyle
“An ornamental figure designed to convey water from a roof, often resembling grotesque creatures.”
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