Cār'y-āt'i-dēs

{ Caryates, the inhabitants of Caryæ, a village in Laconia, with a temple of Diana, Caryatides, Gr. Καρυάτιδες, the women of Caryæ, the maidens or priestesses of Caryæ serving in the temple of Diana; female figures used instead of columns for support in buildings.} (Arch.) Figures of women, serving to support entablatures. Gwilt.