Pl. caules. [Lat., stem, stalk; in Gr. καυλός.]
1. Arch. Each of the four principal stalks that support the volutes and helices in a Corinthian capital.
1563. Shute, Archit., D iij b. Voluta … which goeth out of Caulis.
1876. Gwilt, Archit., Gloss., Caulicolæ, the eight lesser branches or stalks in the Corinthian capital springing out from the four greater or principal caules or stalks.
2. Bot. The stalk or stem of a plant, esp. of a herbaceous plant in its natural state.
1870. Bentley, Bot., 101. It is called a caulis in plants which are herbaceous, or die down annually.
