from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Echinus \E*chi"nus\, n.; pl. {Echini}. [L., a hedgehog, sea
urchin, Gr. 'echi^nos.]
1. (Zo["o]l.) A hedgehog.
[1913 Webster]
2. (Zo["o]l.) A genus of echinoderms, including the common
edible sea urchin of Europe.
[1913 Webster]
3. (Arch.)
(a) The rounded molding forming the bell of the capital of
the Grecian Doric style, which is of a peculiar
elastic curve. See {Entablature}.
(b) The quarter-round molding (ovolo) of the Roman Doric
style. See Illust. of {Column}
(c) A name sometimes given to the egg and anchor or egg
and dart molding, because that ornament is often
identified with the Roman Doric capital. The name
probably alludes to the shape of the shell of the sea
urchin.
[1913 Webster]