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Buttress
- a mass of
masonry built against or projecting from a wall either to stabilise,
from the lateral
thrust of an arch
roof or
vault, or to enable the wall to be thinner.
Different types can exist at corners,
for example, angled, diagonal, or clasping. A flying buttress transmits the thrust of a wall by means of
a half arch, downwards into a pier. The pier is usually
surmounted by a pinnacle which increases stability
and can also add grace and verticality to the structure.
(Illustration)