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.

military affairs, signifies a tent raised on posts, to lodge under in the summer-time.

Pavilion, is also sometimes applied to flags, colours, ensigns, standards, banners, &c.

Heraldry, denotes a covering in form of a tent, which invests or wraps up the armories of divers kings and sovereigns, depending only on God their sword.

The pavilion consists of two parts; the top, which is the chapeau, or coronet; and the curtain, which makes the mantle.

None but sovereign monarchs, according to the French heralds, Paving heralds, may bear the pavilion entire, and in all its parts. Those who are elective, or have any dependence, say the heralds, must take off the head, and retain nothing but the curtains.

Pavilions, among jewellers, the under-sides and corners of the brilliants, lying between the girdle and the collet.