Caryaʹtes or Caryatʹids

Figures of women in Greek costume, used in architecture to support entablatures. Caʹryæ, in Arcaʹdia, sided with the Persians in the battle of Thermopʹylæ; in consequence of which the victorious Greeks destroyed the city, slew the men, and made the women slaves. Praxitʹelēs, to perpetuate the disgrace, employed figures of these women, instead of columns. (See page 72, col. 2, Atlantes, page 208, col. 2, CanephorÆ.)

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Entry taken from Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, edited by the Rev. E. Cobham Brewer, LL.D. and revised in 1895.