Alancet window is a tall, narrowwindow with a sharp pointed arch at its top.[1] This arch may or may not be a steep lancet arch (in which the compass centres for drawing the arch fall outside the opening). It acquired the "lancet" name from its resemblance to alance.[2] Instances of this architectural element are typical ofGothicchurch edifices of the earliest period. Lancet windows may occur singly, or paired under a single moulding, or grouped in an odd number with the tallest window at the centre.
The lancet window first appeared in the earlyFrench Gothic period (c. 1140–1200), and later in theEarly English period of Gothic architecture (1200–1275). So common was the lancet window feature that this era is sometimes known as the "Lancet Period".[3]
The termlancet window is properly applied to single-light windows of austere form, withouttracery. Paired windows were sometimes surmounted by a simple opening such as aquatrefoil cut inplate tracery. This form gave way to the more ornate, multi-light traceried window.
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