Architectural term for a projecting support built against a wall to strengthen it.
In Gothic architecture, buttresses are often used to support tall walls.
Standard kanji spelling for this architectural term.
Abbreviated kanji form; less common but still used in technical contexts.
Compound of 控え (ひかえ, 'support, reserve') and 壁 (かべ, 'wall'). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the term literally describes a wall that provides support.