Dictionary entry

Toran

Webster's Dictionary 1913

{ To″ran (?), ‖To″ra‐na (?) }, n. [Skr. tōraṇa an arch, a gate.] (Indian Arch.) A gateway, commonly of wood, but sometimes of stone, consisting of two upright pillars carrying one to three transverse lintels. It is often minutely carved with symbolic sculpture, and serves as a monumental approach to a Buddhist temple.