Gargoyle
gargoyle
(French: gargouille, throat) Projecting spout to discharge rainwater from the roof-gutters of buildings. In Gothic architecture they were grotesquely carved to represent the heads of men, demons , and beasts symbolic of various characteristics; the lion, of courage; the fox, of cunning. Some of them are famous, notably those of Notre Dame in Paris; in France it is said there are no two alike. Gargoyles are now used merely for ornamentation.
Fuente: New Catholic Dictionary
Gargoyle
a projecting spout, used in Gothic architecture to throw water from the gutter of a building, so as not to drop down the wall. Gargoyles are usually carved into the resemblance of the human figure or of grotesque animals, real or imaginary. They are placed on cornices and on buttresses, and form salient features in many buildings of the early English and decorated styles of the Gothic architecture. (G.F.C.)