MOULDINGS. the curved and plane surfaces used as ornaments in cornices, panels, arches, etc., and in all enriched apertures in buildings. In classic architecture the mouldings are few in number, and definitely fixed in their forms. There are eight kinds of these regular mouldings, viz, the Cyma, the Ovolo (or Echintis), the Talon, the Cavetto, the Torus, the Astragal, the Scotia, and the Fillet (q.v.); and each of these mouldings has its proper place assigned to it in each order. See COLUMN. In God& architecture, and all other styles, the mouldings are not reduced to a system as in the Greek and Boman styles, bat may be used in every variety of form at the pleasure of the artist. Certain forms generally prevail at one period in any style. Thus, in Gothic architecture, the date of a building may in many instances be determined by the form of the mouldings. The Norman mouldmngs were very simple in outline, and very fre
quently enriched with the zigzag and billet ornaments.
la the early English style, the mouldings are also simple in outline, and are usually arraWged irr rectangular divisions, and consist of alternate rounds and hollows. In late examples of this style, the fillet was introduced and led to the more elaborate form of mouldings during tha decorated period.
The mouldings of the perpendicular style are generally flatter and thinner than the preceding, and have large hollows separated by narrow fillets, which produce a meager effect.
. Each of these styles has its peculiar ornaments and style of foliage; and when these are used along with the mouldings, there is no difficulty in determining the approximate date of a building.