CROCKET, in architecture, a small, independent, sharply projecting mediaeval ornament, usually occurring in rows, and decorated with foliage. In the late 12th century, when it first appeared, it had the form of a ball-like bud, with a spiral out line, like an uncurling fern frond; but in the later Gothic period it took the form of out-curved, fully developed leaves reaching, in the 15th century, complex, in voluted richness. Crockets are used especially on the inclined edges of spires, pinnacles and gables, and are also found on cap itals, cornices, . and, occasionally, around arches.