ashlar

/ˈæʃlə/

Etymology

From Middle English assheler, acheler, etc., from forms of Old French esselier (“wooden support, traverse beam”), from Medieval Latin ascelāris and assellāris (equivalent to a diminutive of early forms of ais (“plank”)), variant of *axillāris (attested only after the Renaissance), from Latin axilla (“little plank”) + -āris (“-ary: forming adjectives”), from axis (“axle, plank”) + -illa (“-ella: forming diminutives”).

ashlar means Masonry employing flat and well-squared stone or brick, creating an appearance similar to wooden flooring. Lexicurio rates it Rare gem — a strength score of 84 out of 100.

Why this word is great

ASHLAR — [Noun] A squared and finely dressed building stone, or masonry constructed from such stones. From Middle English *assheler*, from Old French *aisselier* ("wooden beam, plank"), from Medieval Latin *ascelāris*, a diminutive form related to Latin *axis* ("axle, plank"). Unlike "rubble," which is rough, irregular, and speaks of a structure's hidden core, or "brick," a uniform, manufactured module of clay, ashlar is the triumph of geology made geometry. It is the cool, seamless façade of a Palladian villa, the razor-straight joint that admits no blade, and the exact, sun-warmed corner of a courthouse where two shadows meet with impeccable judgment—a testament to the human desire to impose not just order, but a silent, enduring elegance upon the obdurate world.

noun

Masonry employing flat and well-squared stone or brick, creating an appearance similar to wooden flooring.“The four main spans across the waterway are carried on ashlar piers founded on Memel timber piles.”
Stone hewn and finished to create such masonry, either completely or as a facade over an earthen or rubble core.“And from the choir itself, where the big hoist was working, came the shouts of the men sweating at the great wheel that swung the cut stones skyward, and the men high overhead on the hurdle-walks, waiting to receive the swinging ashlars and guide them into place.”
A stone intended for hurling by means of a catapult or similar device.