Pen*den"tive (?), n. [F. pendentif, fr. L. pendere to hang.] Arch. (a)

The portion of a vault by means of which the square space in the middle of a building is brought to an octagon or circle to receive a cupola.

(b)

The part of a groined vault which is supported by, and springs from, one pier or corbel.

 

© Webster 1913.

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