At-lan'tes, n. pl.

n. pl. [Lat., Atlas, -antis, Gr. Ἄτλας, -αντος, one of the older family of gods, who bears up the pillars of heaven; the pillar of heaven, Mount Atlas in Western Africa; any prop or supporter; a colossal statue serving for columns.] (Arch.) Figures or half-figures of men, used instead of columns or pilasters to support an entablature;—called also Telamones.