rockwork

noun

1. (countable, uncountable)Ornamental work done with rocks, as for example around a pond.

   “Down came the clenched hands to her sides, then up again above her head, and, as I am a living and honourable man, the white flame of the fire leapt up after them, almost to the roof, throwing a fierce and ghastly glare upon She herself, upon the white figure beneath the covering, and every scroll and detail of the rockwork.”

   “The wall was some six feet high and when I attempted to clamber it I found I could not lift my feet to the crest. So I went along by the side of it, and came to a corner and a rockwork that enabled me to get to the top and tumble into the garden I coveted.”

   “It comes from two French words: rocaille, meaning the irregular rockwork used to decorate fountains and grottoes, and coquillage, shell motifs.”

2. (countable, uncountable)The act of climbing a rock face, cliff, etc.

   “Lord John was an experienced mountaineer, and Summerlee had done some rough climbing at various times, so that I was really the novice at rock-work of the party; but my strength and activity may have made up for my want of experience.”