dial. or Obs. [Northern var. of TUSK sb.1] Arch. One of a series of stones or bricks forming a projecting course for the attachment of an additional structure. Cf. TUSH sb.1 3 and TOOTHING vbl. sb. 2 b.
1412. in Raine, Catterick Church, Yorks. (1834), 9. And the forside Richarde sall putte oute tusses for the makyng of a Reuestery. Ibid., 10. And also forsaide Richarde salle schote out tusses in the west ende for makyng of a stepill.
1834. Raine, note. This … term … implies the projecting stones left in … masonry … by which a contemplated building might in due time be attached…. Such … stones … are still in the north of England not unfrequently called tusses, a corruption of tusks.
