Gargoyles & Grotesques
The word "Gargoyle" shares a root with the word "Gargle"; they come from "gargouille", an old French word for "Throat". A true gargoyle is a waterspout. An unusual carved creature that does not serve that purpose is properly called a "Grotesque". These creatures have adorned the outer walls of cathedrals, castles and other buildings for hundreds of years. They have served as protectors against evil, as well as functional waterspouts throughout the centuries and continue to stand their post today.
These are a few from my own collection...