Abat-son

Illustration of an abat-son

An abat-son (usually plural abat-sons) is an architectural device constructed to reflect sound in a particular direction. Typically it takes the form of large louvers which direct the sound of church bells from a bell tower toward the ground.

In general use, any louvers in a bell tower are commonly called abat-sons, whether they are designed to redirect sound or merely to prevent ingress of water.

References

• Sturgis, Russell, et al., eds (1902) "Abat-Sons". Dictionary of Architecture. Reprinted 1989 as Sturgis' Illustrated Dictionary of Architecture and Building Vol. I A-E. New York: Dover Publications. ISBN 0486260259

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