Ar"chi*volt (#), n. [F. archivolte, fr. It. archivolto; pref. archi- + volto vault, arch. See Vault.] Arch. (a)
The architectural member surrounding the curved opening of an arch, corresponding to the architrave in the case of a square opening.
(b)
More commonly, the molding or other ornaments with which the wall face of the voussoirs of an arch is charged.
© Webster 1913.