in architecture, the principal part of a building, as serving both to inclose it, and to support the roof, floors, &c.—Walls are distinguished into various kinds, from the matter whereof they consist; as plastered or mud-walls, brick-walls, stone-walls, flint or boulder-walls, and boarded-walls. See Architecture.

Cob or Mud Wall. In those parts of England where stone is scarce, it is usual to make walls and houses of mud, or, as it is called in Devonshire, cob; which is a composition of earth and straw, wet up somewhat like mortar, but well beat and trod together. When a wall is making, after being raised to a certain height, it is allowed time to pitch or settle before the work is resumed. Some value themselves on their skill in building with this composition; the price, when materials are found, is generally in Devonshire 3s. per perch of 16½ feet; but a stone foundation costs more. Houses built with this, being covered with thatch, are very dry and warm; a cob wall, if in a good situation, will last 50 or 60 years or more. When pulled down, they are used as manure, and new earth employed to rebuild with.