[ noun ] a rectangular block of hewn stone used for building purposes <noun.artifact>
Ashlar \Ash"lar\, Ashler \Ash"ler\, n. [OE. ascheler, achiler, OF. aiseler, fr. aiselle, dim. of ais plank, fr. L. axis, assis, plank, axle. See {Axle}.] 1. (Masonry) (a) Hewn or squared stone; also, masonry made of squared or hewn stone.
Rough ashlar, a block of freestone as brought from the quarry. When hammer-dressed it is known as common ashlar. --Knight. (b) In the United States especially, a thin facing of squared and dressed stone upon a wall of rubble or brick. --Knight.