telamon
/ˈtɛləmən
/ /ˈtɛləməʊn/noun (plural telamones /tɛləˈməʊniːz/) Architecture
A male figure used as a pillar to support an entablature or other structure.The entablature is supported by four beturbaned telamones; in the centre is the draped sarcophagus....
- The presbytery is a late Renaissance masterpiece composing a choir, a Temple by Pellegrini, two pulpits with giant telamones covered in copper and bronze, and two large organs.
- Between them stood impressive statues of giants, the telamones, which functioned as load-bearing supports for the structure.
Origin
Early 17th century: via Latin from Greek telamōnes, plural of Telamōn, the name of a mythical hero.