PAVILION, in architecture, signifies a kind of turret or building, usually insulated, and contained under a single roof; sometimes square, and sometimes in form of a dome: thus called from the resemblance of its roof to a tent.
Pavilions are sometimes also projecting pieces, in the front of a building, marking the middle thereof; sometimes the pavilion flanks a corner, in which case it is called an angular pavilion. The Louvre is flanked with four pavilions: the pavilions are usually higher than the rest of the building. There are pavilions built in gardens, commonly called summer-houses, pleasure-houses, &c. Some castles or forts consist only of a single pavilion.