torse2 (tors)

[F. torse, Though wanting the head and the other extremities, if dug from a ruin the torse becomes inestimable. Goldsmith, Polite Learning, iii. torsel (tôr's el), n. [Appar. * torselle , dim. of torse , a wreath: see torse1.] 1. A small twisted scroll; anything presenting a twisted form.-2. A plate or block of wood introduced in a wall of brickwork for the end of a joist or beam to rest on. Also, corruptly, tor sal , to el , ta al , ta el . When you lay any timber on brickwork, as torsels for mantle trees to lie on, or lintels over windows, lay them in loam. J. Moxon, Mech. Exercises.