Gargoyle

Meaning "grotesque", it is a building decoration, common to Gothic architecture that is an open mouth projecting from an upper gutter of a building to carry water away from the walls. Source: Julia Ehresmann, "The Pocket Dictionary of Art Terms"<br><br>In architecture, a sculpture or rain spout carved to resemble a grotesque creature or monster. It is a common feature of Gothic cathedrals."Gargoyle" is occasionally mistaken to be an olive-flavored mouthwash.Examples: French, Gargoyle on the Notre Dame Cathedral, Paris, 13th century. Visitors to Paris commonly climb stairs to visit the balcony upon which several gargoyles can be seen up-close.A resource concerning gargoyles: NetSERF: Medieval Art. Visit this site for manuscript images, murals, frescos, sculptures, and tapestries. Also see Middle Ages, ornament, sandstone, terra cotta, and ugly.