[See next.] A board, often ornamental, running along the edge of the gable of a house, to conceal the barge-couples, and prevent rain from driving in under the projecting barge-course.
1833. Loudon, Cottage Archit., 212. The roof … having barge boards against the west gable. Ibid., 422. Pierced openings in the verge board.
1845. Gloss. Gothic Archit., I. 42. Barge-board, Berge-board, Verge-board, or Parge-board.
1876. T. Hardy, Hand Ethelberta, II. xlviii. 273. A timber-built cottage, having ornamental barge-boards, balconettes, and porch.
