gargoyle
UK[ˈɡɑː.ɡɔɪl]US[ˈɡɑːr.ɡɔɪl]
n
a grotesque carved human or animal face or figure projecting from the gutter of a building, especially a church, acting as a spout to carry water clear of a wall.
n
a grotesque ornamental figure or creature.
Morpheme Breakdown
garg
oyle
garg
throat
oyle
diminutive/derogatory suffix
Etymology
the word 'gargoyle' originates from the old french gargouille, meaning 'throat' or 'gullet', which itself is believed to be onomatopoeic, imitating the gurgling sound of water. this root is vividly preserved in the related word 'gargle'. the architectural feature is named for its function: a carved waterspout that projects from a roof gutter, designed to throw rainwater clear of a building's wall, much like something being expelled from a throat. over time, the term expanded to include any grotesque carved figure on a building, even those that are purely decorative and do not serve as functional spouts, linking the literal concept of a water-spewing throat to the broader idea of an ugly or frightening ornamental creature.
Analysis
Structure: garg (throat) + oyle (diminutive/derogatory suffix)
garg: from old french gargouille (throat, gullet), ultimately of onomatopoeic origin, imitating the sound of gurgling water in the throat.
oyle: a reduced and altered form in english from the old french suffix -ouille, often used to form diminutive or pejorative nouns.
Examples
the rainwater poured from the mouth of the stone gargoyle high on the cathedral's facade.
the architect included several frightening gargoyles along the roofline to ward off evil spirits, according to medieval belief.
unlike the decorative grotesques, a true gargoyle must function as a waterspout.