n. [ F. archivolte, fr. It. archivolto; pref. archi- + volto vault, arch. See Vault. ] (Arch.) (a) The architectural member surrounding the curved opening of an arch, corresponding to the architrave in the case of a square opening. (b) More commonly, the molding or other ornaments with which the wall face of the voussoirs of an arch is charged. [ 1913 Webster ]