E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Ion’ic Architecture.
So called from Io’nia, where it took its rise. The capitals are decorated with volutes, and the cornice with dentils. The shaft is fluted; the entablature either plain or embellished.
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“The people of Ionia formed their order of architecture on the model of a young woman dressed in her hair, and of an easy, elegant shape; whereas the Doric had been formed on the model of a robust, strong man.”—Vitruvius.
