Return

The Penguin Dictionary of Architecture (third edition) was published in 1980. It was created for Penguin Reference and compiled by John Fleming, Hugh Honour and Nikolaus Pevsner.

It defines a return as: ‘The side or part which falls away, usually at right angles, from the front or direct line of a structure. Two particular uses of the term are: that part of a dripstone or hood mould which, after running downwards, turns off horizontally; the western row of choir stalls which runs north-south, set against the screen at the west end of the choir.'

The word 'return' might also refer to a return on investment, a return vent in a heating and ventilation system or a desk return on office furniture.

[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings

• Arches.
• Door terminology.
• Doorway.
• Hood mould.
• Misericord.