gambrel roof

from WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006)

gambrel roof
    n 1: a gable roof with two slopes on each side and the lower
         slope being steeper [syn: {gambrel}, {gambrel roof}]

from The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48

Gambrel \Gam"brel\, n. [OF. gambe, jambe leg, F. jambe. Cf.
   {Cambrel}, {Chambrel}, and see {Gambol}. n.]
   1. The hind leg of a horse.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. A stick crooked like a horse's hind leg; -- used by
      butchers in suspending slaughtered animals.
      [1913 Webster]

   {Gambrel roof} (Arch.), a curb roof having the same section
      in all parts, with a lower steeper slope and an upper and
      flatter one, so that each gable is pentagonal in form.
      [1913 Webster]