Relating to a pedestal in architecture: When Ruth went up the stairs she noticed the fancy acroterions that formed the corners of the balustrade and which held beautiful statuettes.

1. One of the small pedestals placed on the top of a gable in Gothic architecture: While wandering around the old city, the couple noticed and admired the acroteria at the apexes of the pediments of the edifices which were supporting lovely statues.
2. An ornament or statue placed on top of a pedestal: Many of the old acroteria had broken arms or legs and the noses were often missing.