'Cushion capital' definitions:

Definition of 'Cushion capital'

From: GCIDE
  • Cushion \Cush"ion\ (k??sh"?n), n. [OE. cuischun, quisshen, OF. coissin, cuissin, F. coussin, fr. (assumed) LL. culcitinum, dim. of L. culcita cushion, mattress, pillow. See Quilt, and cf. Counterpoint a coverlet.]
  • 1. A case or bag stuffed with some soft and elastic material, and used to sit or recline upon; a soft pillow or pad. [1913 Webster]
  • Two cushions stuffed with straw, the seat to raise. --Dryden. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. Anything resembling a cushion in properties or use; as: (a) a pad on which gilders cut gold leaf; (b) a mass of steam in the end of the cylinder of a steam engine to receive the impact of the piston; (c) the elastic edge of a billiard table. [1913 Webster]
  • 3. A riotous kind of dance, formerly common at weddings; -- called also cushion dance. --Halliwell. [1913 Webster]
  • Cushion capital.(Arch.) A capital so sculptured as to appear like a cushion pressed down by the weight of its entablature. (b) A name given to a form of capital, much used in the Romanesque style, modeled like a bowl, the upper part of which is cut away on four sides, leaving vertical faces.
  • Cushion star (Zool.) a pentagonal starfish belonging to Goniaster, Astrogonium, and other allied genera; -- so called from its form. [1913 Webster]