Vaulting Shaft

Vaulting shaft

a term proposed by Prof. Willis for a shaft, small column, or pillar which supports the ribs of a vault. Shafts of this kind sometimes rise from the floor, and sometimes from the capital of a larger pillar, or from a corbel or other projection. The most usual arrangement is that shown in the example here given, where the shaft rises between the springings of the arches of the nave.