Gothic

¹Goth·ic

adjective \ˈgä-thik\

Definition of GOTHIC

1

a : of, relating to, or resembling the Goths, their civilization, or their language

b : teutonic, germanic

c : medieval 1

d : uncouth, barbarous

2

a : of, relating to, or having the characteristics of a style of architecture developed in northern France and spreading through western Europe from the middle of the 12th century to the early 16th century that is characterized by the converging of weights and strains at isolated points upon slender vertical piers and counterbalancing buttresses and by pointed arches and vaulting

b : of or relating to an architectural style reflecting the influence of the medieval Gothic

3

often not capitalized : of or relating to a style of fiction characterized by the use of desolate or remote settings and macabre, mysterious, or violent incidents

— goth·i·cal·ly \-thi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

— Goth·ic·ness \-thik-nəs\ noun

First Known Use of GOTHIC

1591

Other Architecture Terms

buttress, casita, cornice, fanlight, garret, lintel, parapet, pilaster, plinth

²Gothic

noun

Definition of GOTHIC

1

a : black letter

b : sans serif

2

: Gothic art style or decoration; specifically : the Gothic architectural style

3

: the East Germanic language of the Goths — see indo-european languages table

4

often not capitalized : a novel, film, or play in the gothic style

First Known Use of GOTHIC

1691

Other Fine Arts Terms

baroque, bas-relief, limn, oeuvre, pastiche, rococo, sfumato