# mascaron

> English word · Noun · IPA /ˈmæskəˌɹɒn/

## Definitions
1. A carved, ornamental face, either human-like or grotesque, whose alleged function was originally to frighten away evil spirits so that they would not enter the building.

## Etymology
From French, from Italian mascherone.

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/mascaron