Gargoyle. In architecture, a gargoyle
is a carved or formed grotesque with a spout designed to convey water
from a roof and away from the side of a building, thereby preventing
rainwater from running down masonry walls and eroding the mortar
between.
Gargoyles were viewed in two ways by the church throughout history.
The primary use was to convey the concept of 
evil
through the form of the gargoyle,
which was especially useful in
sending a stark message to the common people, most of whom were illiterate.
Gargoyles also are said to scare evil spirits away
from the church,
this reassured congregants that evil was kept outside of the church’s
walls.
However, some medieval clergy viewed gargoyles as a form of idolatry.
In the 12th century St. Bernard of Clairvaux was famous for speaking out against gargoyles:
