in architecture, the representation of a basket, sometimes seen on the heads of caryatides. The word is also used for the vase, or tambour, of the Corinthian column; so called from its resemblance of a basket, or because it was first formed on the model of a basket.

or Corbil, is also used, in building, for a short piece of timber placed in a wall, with its end sticking out six or eight inches, as occasion serves, in manner of a shouldering-piece. The under part of the end thus sticking out is sometimes cut into the form of a boulting; sometimes of an ogee, and sometimes of a face, &c. according to the workman's fancy; the upper side being plain and flat.

Corbel is also used by some architects for a niche or hollow left in walls for images, figures, or statues to stand in.