Posted by Cassia on July 08, 1997 at 18:21:12:

In reply to Re: "Folly" posted by Claire on July 08, 1997 at 15:57:11

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] I have often read the word "folly" apparently alluding to a building of sorts. It seems to me to be a facade, or a sham, made in the likeness of some complicated architectural structure, but I don't know, and it has puzzled me for a long while. I would appreciate knowing, finally, just what is it. Please.
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] Claire

Actually, in this case the word "folly" is descended fron a French word meaning "hidden". Depending on the period they could be elaborate (full scale miniature cottages) or simple (a gazebo, for example) structures meant to shelter people from the sudden summer showers or snowstorms. As they grew more elablorate some of them became whimsical or just ugly, so "follies" came to have a bad name.

Cassia