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'Trefoil' (from Latin ''trifolium'', "three-leaved plant", French ''trèfle'', German ''Dreiblatt'' and ''Dreiblattbogen'') is a graphic form composed of the outline of three overlapping rings.

Contents

Architecture

Other meanings of the term

External links

Architecture

Trefoil is a term in Gothic architecture given to the ornamental foliation or cusping introduced in the heads of window-lights, tracery, panellings, etc., in which the center takes the form of a three-lobed leaf (formed from three partially-overlapping circles). One of the earliest examples is in the plate tracery at Winchester (1222 - 1235). The four-fold version of an architectural trefoil is a quatrefoil.
A trefoil combined with an equilateral triangle was also a moderately common symbol of the Christian Trinity during the late middle ages in some parts of Europe. Two forms of this are shown below:

A dove, symbolic of the Holy Spirit, is sometimes depicted within the outlined form of the trefoil combined with a triangle.

Other meanings of the term

'Trefoil' is also:

★ A common name for some kinds of clover, which have three-foiled leaves.

★ In mathematical knot theory, a 'trefoil' refers to a trefoil knot.

★ The name of the symbol used to indicate radioactivity.

★ A cross-sectional arrangement of electrical cables that minimises electrodynamic forces during fault conditions.

★ A variation of the solitaire card game La Belle Lucie.

★ The adidas Trefoil is the logo of Adidas.

★ One particular stylized form of the heraldic trefoil is used as the main element in the logo of most Girl Guide and Girl Scout organizations.

★ A type of Girl Scout cookie shaped like the three-lobed Girl Scout logo.

External links

★ Explanation of Christian symbolism of Trefoil