STEEPLE

, an appendage usually raised on the western end of a church to contain the bells.—Steeples are denominated from their form, either spires, or towers. The first are such as rise continually diminishing like a cone or other pyramid. The latter are mere parallelopipedons, or some other prism, and are covered at top platform-like.—In each kind there is usually a sort of windows, or loop-holes, to let out the sound, and so contrived as to throw it downward.

Masius, in his treatise on bells, treats likewise of Steeples. The most remarkable in the world, it is said, is that at Pisa, which leans so much to one side, that you fear every moment it will fall; yet is in no danger. This odd disposition, he observes, is not owing to a shock of an earthquake, as is generally imagined; but was contrived so at first by the architect; as is evident from the cielings, windows, doors, &c, which are all in the bevel.