Grotesk, in sculpture and painting, somewhat whimsical, extravagant, and monstrous; consisting either of things that are merely imaginary, and have no existence in nature; or of things so distorted, as to raise surprize and ridicule. The names arise hence, that figures of this kind were anciently much used to adorn the grottoes wherein the tombs of eminent persons or families were inclosed. Such was that of Ovid, whose grotto was discovered near Rome about one hundred years ago.