A prop or stay (usually carried by a segment of an arch), springing from a pier or other support, and abutting against a structure, for the purpose of resisting thrust. = ARCBOUTANT, arch-buttress (ARCH sb. III).
1669. Sir C. Wren, in C. Wren, Parentalia (1750), 304. The Ailes, from whence arise Bows or Flying Buttresses to the Walls of the Navis.
1828. Scott, F. M. Perth, iv. A voice, which seemed to come from behind one of the flying buttresses of the chapel, said, ‘He lingers that has need to run.’
1849. J. H. Parker, Goth. Archit., iv. (1874), 150. The Flying Buttress now becomes a prominent feature in large buildings. It is often found in Norman work, but concealed under the roof of the triforium.
