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A foil is an architectural device based on a symmetrical rendering of leaf shapes, defined by overlapping circles of the same diameter that produce a series of cusps to make a lobe. Typically, the number of cusps can be three ( trefoil ), four ( quatrefoil ), five (cinquefoil [ 1 ] ), or a larger number (multifoil). [ 2 ]
Multifoil arch in the Aljafería, Zaragoza, Spain. A multifoil arch (or polyfoil arch), also known as a cusped arch, [1] [2] polylobed arch, [3] [4] or scalloped arch, [5] is an arch characterized by multiple circular arcs or leaf shapes (called foils, lobes, or cusps) that are cut into its interior profile or intrados.
It is most commonly found as tracery, mainly in Gothic architecture, where a quatrefoil often may be seen at the top of a Gothic arch, sometimes filled with stained glass. Although the design is often referred to as of Islamic origin, there are examples of its use that precede the birth of Islam by almost 200 years.
The name hexafoil is sometimes also used to refer to a different geometric design that is used as a traditional element of Gothic architecture, [21] created by overlapping six circular arcs to form a flower-like image. [22] [23] The hexafoil design is modeled after the six petal lily, for its symbolism of purity and relation to the Trinity. [24]
A trefoil (from Latin trifolium 'three-leaved plant') is a graphic form composed of the outline of three overlapping rings, used in architecture, Pagan and Christian symbolism, among other areas. The term is also applied to other symbols with a threefold shape. A similar shape with four rings is called a quatrefoil.
The trefoil arch. A trefoil arch, or three-foiled cusped arch (occasionally trilobite arch, no connection to an actual trilobite), is an arch incorporating the shape or outline of a trefoil – three overlapping circles. [1]
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Foil (architecture), decorative device derived from cusps of circles; Foil stamping, a printmaking technique; Foil (fencing), one of the three weapons used in modern fencing; Foil (fiction), a subsidiary character who emphasizes the traits of a main character Comedic or comic foil, the straight man in a comedy double act