Arch. [a. F. bossage, f. bosse a projection, BOSS sb.1]
1. (See quot.)
1730–6. Bailey, Bossage [with Architects] is a Term used of any Stone that has a Projecture, and is laid in its Place uncut, to be afterwards carved into mouldings, capitals, etc.
2. ‘Rustic work, which seems to advance before the naked of a building, by reason of indentures or channels left at the joints.’ (Gwilt.) Also attrib., as in bossage work.
1704. Hearne, Duct. Hist. (1723), II. III. 395. Built of two Stories high, in Bossage Rustick.
1819. Banquet, 71. The fretted bossage, from the ceiling ript, Crumbles to powder in the yawning crypt.
1845. Ford, Handbk. Spain, VI. 472. The bossage work resembles that of Merida and Alcantara.
Hence Bossaged ppl. a.
1855. Fraser’s Mag., LI. 268. A large massive palazzo, whose rough bossaged front descended into the water.
