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keystone (block)

DCHP-1 (pre-1967)

Entry from the DCHP-1 (pre-1967)

This entry may contain outdated or offensive information, terms, and examples.

a polygonal block of snow dropped into place in the centre of an igloo dome and serving to lock the structure firmly together.

See: key-block

Quotations

1864

Then commenced the "spiraling," allowing each tier to fall in, dome-shaped, till the whole was completed, and the key-stone of the dome or arch dropped into its place, the builders being within during the operation.

1930

. . . the arch gradually closing over the builder's head, until at length nothing but a square hold is left, which receives the last block--the keystone--cut somewhat wedge-shaped and dropped into its place from without. . . .

1958

Finally, the igloo is complete except for one snow block, the keystone block, at its top. . . .