Acrocket (orcroquet) is a small, independent decorative element common in Gothic architecture.[1] The name derives from the diminutive of the Old French croc, meaning "hook", due to the resemblance of a crocket to a bishop's crook-shaped crosier.[2]
Crockets, in the form of stylized carvings of curled leaves, buds or flowers, are used at regular intervals to decorate (for example) the sloping edges of spires, finials, pinnacles, and wimpergs.[3][4]
When crockets decorate the capitalsofcolumns, these are called crocket capitals. This element is also used as an ornamentonfurniture and metalwork in the Gothic style.[5]
crocket, in architecture, a small, independent, sharply projecting medieval ornament, usually occurring in rows, and decorated with foliage. In the late 12th century, when it first appeared, the crocket had the form of a ball-like bud, with a spiral outline, similar to an uncurling fern frond; but in the later Gothic period it took the form of open, fully developed leaves that by the 15th century had evolved into richly involuted forms. Crockets are used especially on the inclined edges of spires, pinnacles, and gables and are also found on capitals and cornices.
The doorways of this style are frequently enriched with pedimental and ogee-shaped canopies, ornamented with crockets and finials; of which the north doorway of Exeter Cathedral and the south doorway of Everdon Church, Northamptonshire, may be cited as examples.
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