CORBEL, in architecture, a means of supporting a projecting weight ; a bracket or weight-carrying member, built deeply into the wall so that the pressure on its embedded portion counter acts any tendency to overturn or fall outwards. Corbels may be either individual pieces of stone, separated from each other like brackets, as in the case of many mediaeval cornices, or continuous courses of masonry, e.g., the corbels under projecting oriel win dows (see BAY). A "corbel table" is a projected band or string course carried on corbels. Corbels are favourite places for decora tion. Mediaeval cornices frequently have corbels ornamented with leaves, animals or human heads ; and the corbels common in English Gothic, to support vaulting shafts, are rich with leafage. The sides and faces of Renaissance corbels are carved with scrolls and acanthus leaves. In many cases corbels are moulded, with out other carving, especially those carrying mediaeval battlements. Corbels decorated with an S-scroll are known as consoles. (See BRACKET; CONSOLE.)