n. & v.
--n.
1. a an arched roof. b a continuous arch. c a set or series of arches whose joints radiate from a central point or line.
2 a vaultlike covering (the vault of heaven).
3 an underground chamber: a as a place of storage (bank vaults). b as a place of interment beneath a church or in a cemetery etc. (family vault).
4 an act of vaulting.
5 Anat. the arched roof of a cavity.
--v.
1. intr. leap or spring, esp. while resting on one or both hands or with the help of a pole.
2 tr. spring over (a gate etc.) in this way.
3 tr. (esp. as vaulted) a make in the form of a vault. b provide with a vault or vaults.
Derivatives:
vaulter n.
Etymology: OF voute, vaute, ult. f. L volvere roll