ANTEFIX

antefix

(noun) carved ornament at the eaves of a tile roof concealing the joints between tiles

Source: WordNet® 3.1

Etymology

Noun

antefix (plural antefixes)

(architecture) The vertical blocks which terminate the covering tiles of the roof of a Roman, Etruscan, or Greek temple.

(architecture) Any decoration serving to cover the ends of roofing tiles.

Source: Wiktionary

An"te*fix`, n.; pl. E. Antefixes; L. Antefixa. Etym: [L. ante + fixus fixed.] (Arch.) (a) An ornament fixed upon a frieze. (b) An ornament at the eaves, concealing the ends of the joint tiles of the roof. (c) An ornament of the cymatium of a classic cornice, sometimes pierced for the escape of water.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition