An Illustrated Dictionary of Words used in Art and Archaeology by John W. Mollett
Chapter 1
27783 words | Chapter 1
The Project Gutenberg eBook of An Illustrated Dictionary of Words used in Art and Archaeology
This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and
most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions
whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms
of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online
at www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States,
you will have to check the laws of the country where you are located
before using this eBook.
Title: An Illustrated Dictionary of Words used in Art and Archaeology
Author: John W. Mollett
Release date: March 15, 2022 [eBook #67629]
Language: English
Original publication: United Kingdom: Sampson Low, Marston, Searle, And Rivington, 1883
Other information and formats: www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/67629
Credits: Richard Tonsing and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images generously made available by The Internet Archive)
*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK AN ILLUSTRATED DICTIONARY OF WORDS USED IN ART AND ARCHAEOLOGY ***
AN ILLUSTRATED DICTIONARY
OF WORDS USED IN
ART AND ARCHÆOLOGY.
[_All rights reserved._]
PRINTED BY GILBERT AND RIVINGTON, LIMITED, ST. JOHN’S SQUARE, LONDON.
[Illustration:
APSE OF THE BASILICA OF ST. PAUL-WITHOUT-THE-WALLS, ROME.
[_See_ BASILICA, _p. 37_.
]
AN ILLUSTRATED DICTIONARY
OF WORDS USED IN
ART AND ARCHÆOLOGY.
EXPLAINING TERMS FREQUENTLY USED IN WORKS ON ARCHITECTURE, ARMS,
BRONZES, CHRISTIAN ART, COLOUR, COSTUME, DECORATION, DEVICES, EMBLEMS,
HERALDRY, LACE, PERSONAL ORNAMENTS, POTTERY, PAINTING, SCULPTURE, &C.,
WITH THEIR DERIVATIONS.
By J. W. MOLLETT, B.A.
_Officier de l’Instruction Publique (France)_;
AUTHOR OF THE LIVES OF “REMBRANDT” AND “WILKIE” IN THE “GREAT ARTISTS”
SERIES.
[Illustration]
London:
SAMPSON LOW, MARSTON, SEARLE, AND RIVINGTON,
CROWN BUILDINGS, 188, FLEET STREET.
1883.
[Illustration]
PREFACE.
This Dictionary was commenced as an amended edition of that written by
M. Ernest Bosc, architect of Paris, and contains the 450 engravings
published in the French work, to which about 250 more have been added.
Little or nothing, however, of the text of M. Bosc’s work has been left
standing; his definitions having, in the process of revision under
reference to original works, almost entirely disappeared. The whole
work, as it now stands, has been drawn from, or carefully corrected by,
the best authorities in each of its special branches. Considerable
prominence has been given to ARCHITECTURE, from the French original
corrected from English writers; to CHRISTIAN ANTIQUITIES from
_Martigny_, and the Dictionary of _Dr. Smith and Professor Cheetham_,
and other authorities; to MEDIÆVAL ARMOUR, and terms of CHIVALRY,
chiefly from _Meyrick’s Ancient Armour_; to COSTUME from _Planché_ and
_Fairholt_; to HERALDRY from _Boutell’s_ and _Mrs. Bury Palliser’s_
works; to POTTERY, the substance of the articles on this subject being
derived from _M. Jacquemart’s_ work; to NEEDLEWORK, IVORIES, MUSICAL
INSTRUMENTS, GOLDSMITHS’ WORK, PAINTERS’ MATERIALS AND PROCESSES ANCIENT
AND MODERN, COLOUR, &c., with references to the several authorities
referred to.
The GREEK AND ROMAN ANTIQUITIES, which are the principal part of M.
Bosc’s work, have been in this volume reduced to the smallest possible
compass: the Dictionaries of Dr. Smith and Rich must be referred to by
those who require fuller definitions upon this subject, which would of
itself fill ten such books as the present.
A few INDIAN, CHINESE, and JAPANESE TERMS, which have come into ordinary
use in art, have been sought out and inserted: in the first-mentioned
_Dr. Birdwood’s Handbooks_ have been a most useful guide. Finally, it is
necessary to state, that many words essential to the completeness of the
work would have been in danger of omission, if I had not had before me
_Mr. Fairholt’s_ admirable _Dictionary of Art Terms_, which, occupying a
more restricted ground than this, is so thorough and accurate in dealing
with all that it professes to include, that the only _raison d’être_ of
this work is the very much wider and different ground that it covers,
and the greater condensation of its definitions. Obviously the substance
of every statement in the work is borrowed from some previous writer on
the subject, and it is evident that a Dictionary of Reference is not a
convenient vehicle for theory or invention.
The appended list of CLASSIFIED CATALOGUES which have been prepared by
direction of the authorities of the South Kensington Museum, will have
the additional use of referring the reader to the fountain-head at which
he can verify and amplify the condensed information that this work
supplies.
J. W. MOLLETT.
_October, 1882._
CLASSIFIED CATALOGUES OF BOOKS ON ART
IN THE
NATIONAL ART LIBRARY, SOUTH KENSINGTON MUSEUM.
_ISSUED BY AUTHORITY._
LIST OF WORKS ON COSTUME, 1_s._; FURNITURE, 1_d._; HERALDRY, 3_d._;
LACE AND NEEDLEWORK, 1_d._; ORNAMENT, 6_d._; PAINTING, 4_d._;
POTTERY AND PORCELAIN, 3_d._; SCULPTURE, 3_d._
_These Catalogues may be had on application to the Secretary of the
Science and Art Department, South Kensington, S.W._
ILLUSTRATED DICTIONARY OF WORDS
USED IN
ART AND ARCHÆOLOGY.
ABBREVIATIONS—Arch. _Architectural_; Chr. _Christian_; Egyp. _Egyptian_;
Fr. _French_; Gr. _Greek_; Her. _Heraldic_; It. _Italian_; Lat. _Latin_;
Med. _Mediæval_; O. E. _Old English_; Orient. _Oriental_; R. _Roman_.
* * * * *
=Aar= or =Aarou=, Egyp. A plain in a supra-terrestrial region, which
corresponded, with the Egyptians, to the Elysian Fields of the Greeks
and the Asgard of Scandinavian mythology.
[Illustration: Fig. 1. Abaculi used as pavement.]
=Abaculus=, Gr. and R. (a diminutive of _abacus_, q.v.). A small square
or cube of glass, or some vitreous composition made to imitate stone or
glass of various colours. _Abaculi_ were employed for the inlaid-work of
pavements, or the incrustations of mosaic.
=Abacus=, Gr. and R. (ἄβαξ, a slab or board). 1. In general a
rectangular slab of stone, marble, or terra-cotta. 2. A board or tray
used in arithmetical calculations, and constructed for reckoning by
tens. 3. A play-board divided into compartments, a kind of backgammon in
use in antiquity. The same term was also applied to a board used for
another game of skill, the _ludus latrunculorum_, which was more like
our chess. 4. A side-board on which were displayed, in the _triclinium_,
or dining-room, silver plate and other table utensils. 5. A slab of
marble, used for a coating in the decoration of a room or apartment of
any kind. 6. A square slab of terra-cotta or wood, placed by the
earliest builders at the top of wooden columns, in order to give them a
broader head, and so afford a better support to the beams which rested
on them. It was this motive that gave rise to the formation of the
_abacus of the capital of a column_.
=Abaton= or =Abatos=, Gr. (α, βᾰτὸς, inaccessible). A term used
generally to denote any inaccessible place, such as the _cella_ of a
temple, an adytum from which the profane were excluded. The term
_Abaton_ denoted more particularly a building in the city of Rhodes,
which contained, together with two statues in bronze, a trophy
commemorating a victory gained over the Rhodians. This memorial had been
placed in the building by queen Artemisia, who had consecrated it to a
divinity. To destroy it would have been a sacrilege, and as no one could
be allowed to penetrate into the interior of the _Abaton_, without the
defeat of the Rhodians becoming known, all access to it was forbidden.
=Abezzo, Olio di=, It. Strasburg Turpentine (q.v.).
[Illustration: Fig. 2. Ewer for ablutions (Persian).]
=Ablutions=, Chr. There were various ablutions: that of the head
(_capitilavium_), as a preparation for unction in baptism; that of the
hands (_aquamanile_), during Mass, &c.; that of the feet (_pedilavium_),
including the ceremony of washing the feet of the poor, performed on
Maundy Thursday, by the Pope. (Fig. 2.)
=Abococke=, Med. Cap of estate, worn by kings on their helmets: “a huge
cappe of estate, called Abococke, garnished with two rich crownes;” 15th
century.
[Illustration: Fig. 3. A Lictor with the fasces, wearing the _abolla_.]
=Abolla=, Gr. and R. (ἀναβολὴ, a throwing back and around). A cloak made
of a piece of cloth folded double and fastened round the throat by a
brooch. _Abolla major_ was the name given to the ample blanket in which
the Greek philosophers were accustomed to wrap themselves. This cloak
was adopted by the philosophers as an instance of their humility,
because it was mostly worn by the poorer classes at Rome. Fig. 3 is a
representation of one of the lictors, with his fasces on his shoulder,
and wearing the _abolla_.
=Abraxas=, Gr. (a mystical or cabalistic word formed of the Greek
letters α, β, ρ, α, ξ, α, ς). Cut stones or gems of very various shapes,
upon which are engraved the words Abraxas, Abrasax. They are also known
as _Basilidian_ stones or gems, because they constituted the symbols of
the gnostic sect of the Basilidians. Certain peoples looked upon them as
magic amulets against particular maladies and demoniacal influences. The
impressions on these stones are very varied; cabalistic figures, the
signs Α and Ω, and the word ΙΑΩ, which designates the Supreme Being.
Numerous explanations have been sought for this term _abraxas_; some
philologists assert that it comes from the Persian [or Pehlvi], and that
it signifies _Mithra_; others derive it from the Hebrew, or the Coptic,
while others again recognize in it only a numerical sign, the letters of
which, added together, would give the number 365, or the number of days
that make up the year, and in this case _abraxas_ would symbolize the
annual revolution of the sun. A figure often found upon Abraxas stones
is that of a serpent with a radiated lion’s head (Chnouphis), which
rears itself amid seven stars. The reverse of these stones often bears
the inscription ΤΩ ΧΝΟΥΦΙ, “To Chnouphis.”
=Absidiole.= Diminutive of _apse_, and thus used to denote a small apse
terminating a lateral nave, while the apse closes the central or chief
nave. (See ABSIS.)
=Absis= or =Apse=, R. (ἁψὶς, a bow or vault). Any enclosure of
semicircular form terminating a room, hall, &c. There was an _absis_ in
the _Basilica_ (q.v.), or court of justice, and it was in the
semicircular recess thus formed that the judges’ seats were placed. Many
temples also had an _absis_ attached to them, and there is one in
particular of this description well known to all archæologists. This is
the _absis_ of the temple of Venus at Rome, which was built by the
emperor architect Hadrian. (See APSE.)
=Abutment=, Arch. called also =Impost=. The solid part of a pier from
which an arch immediately springs.
=Abydos, Tablets of=, Egyp. Under this term are designated two
hieroglyphic inscriptions containing the names of Egyptian kings. These
tablets were graven upon the walls of a _cella_ in a small temple at
Abydos, in Upper Egypt; hence their name. The first tablet, the
beginning of which was destroyed at the time of its discovery, contains
the names of the kings of the twelfth and eighteenth dynasties; this
inscription was discovered in 1817 or 1818 by J. W. Bankes, and drawn by
Caillund in 1832; it had been taken down from the wall of the temple by
Mimaut, the French consul at Alexandria. It is now at the British
Museum. The second tablet, which begins with Menes, who is generally
supposed to have been one of the first kings of Egypt, contains a
complete list of the two first dynasties, as well as a great number of
names belonging to kings of the third, fourth, fifth, sixth, ninth,
tenth, and eleventh dynasties. This tablet was discovered in 1864 by M.
Mariette. It is reproduced in De Rougé’s treatise on the six first
dynasties.
=Abyssus=, Egyp. A Coptic word, read by some archæologists as NOUN
(q.v.), and which signifies the _abyss_, the immensity of the celestial
waters upon which sails the solar bark.
=Acacia=, R. A term employed by some antiquaries to denote an object
held in the hand of the statue of an emperor of the Lower Empire. It
usually consists of a piece of cloth, which the emperor unfurled as a
signal for the games to commence.
=Academies of Italy.= Literary societies established during the middle
ages. The principal were the Accesi, Affidati, Amorevole of Verona,
Animosi of Milan, Arcadi of Rome, Ardenti of Pisa, Ardenti of Naples,
Ardenti of Viterbo, Catenati of Macerata, Chiave of Pavia, Crusca of
Florence, Elevati of Ferrara, Eterea of Padua, Florimontana of Annecy,
Granelleschi of Venice, Infiammati of Padua, Infocati, Insensati of
Perugia, Intronati of Siena, Lincei of Rome, Occulti, Offuscati,
Ostinati, Rinovati, Sonnachiosi of Bologna, Trasformati of Milan,
Travagliati, Unanimi. Their devices are described under the respective
headings.
=Acæna=, Gr. (ἀκαίνη), a measuring-rod; ten Greek feet in length.
[Illustration: Fig. 4. Architectural acanthus.]
=Acanthus=, Gr. and R. (ἀκὴ a point, and ἄνθος, a flower). A plant, the
ornamental foliage of which has been largely employed as an
architectural decoration by different peoples. The acanthus has been
applied to the ornamentation of friezes, cornices, modillions, and
various other members of architecture, but in especial to the decoration
of modillions (projecting brackets) (Fig. 4) and of Corinthian and
composite capitals. There are several varieties of the acanthus; those
most in use are the cultivated acanthus, or Brankursine (_Acanthus
mollis_), and the spring acanthus (_Acanthus spinosa_), the foliage of
which is much less beautiful, and furnished with small spikes which make
the plant resemble a thistle. This last has also often been applied to
decoration, in the Romano-Byzantine and lanceolated styles of
architecture. An English name for this ornament is the “bear’s claw.”
[Illustration: Fig. 5. Bracket decorated with acanthus.]
=Acapna=, Gr. (α, priv., and καπνὸς, i. e. without smoke). Wood for
fuel, which had undergone several operations to hinder it from smoking
when put on the fire. One of the methods employed consisted in stripping
the bough of the bark, immersing it in water for some days, and then
leaving it to dry. In a second method, the surface was rubbed with oil
or oil-lees, or else the piece of wood was plunged into the oil for a
few moments. A third method consisted in slightly charring the surface
of the wood by passing it through the flame. The wood prepared by this
last process was also called _cocta_ and _coctilia_.
=Acatium=, Gr. and R. (ἀκάτιον, dimin. of ἄκατος, a light boat). A
description of vessel belonging to the class called _actuariæ_, i. e.
were propelled either by sails or oars. The _acatium_ was a fast-sailer
much employed by the Greek pirates. The stern was of a rounded concave
form (_inflexa_), and the prow was adorned with a beak (_rostrum_). (See
also ACTUARIÆ.) The name _acatium_ was also given to a drinking-vessel
which was in the form of a boat. The Roman _scapha_ was a similar
vessel.
=Acca.= A word used in the 14th century for a cloth of gold shot with
coloured silk, figured with animals: from Acre in Syria.
=Accesi=, It. (_inflamed_). One of the Italian Literary Academies. Their
device was a fir-cone placed over a fire, with the motto “hinc odor et
fructus.”
=Accetta=, Med. Lat. A battle-axe, or hache-d’armes.
=Accidental= or =complementary colour=, the prismatic complement of a
ray of light: such are _orange_ to _blue_, _green_ to _red_, and
_purple_ to _yellow_.
=Accidental light.= An effect of light in a picture independent of the
principal light, such as that on the Holy Child in the _Notte_ of
Correggio, or that of a candle, &c.
=Acclamations=, Chr. Formulas employed by the first Christians to
express their grief on the occurrence of some misfortune, or on the
other hand, to testify their joy at some piece of good fortune. These
acclamations were imitated from the nations of antiquity [e. g. at
_marriages_, “Io Hymen, Hymenæe, Talassio:” at _triumphs_, “Io,
triumphe,” &c.].
=Accollée=, Her. (1) placed side by side: (2) entwined about the neck.
=Accosted=, Her. Side by side.
=Accrued=, Her. Grown to maturity.
=Accubitum=, R. (_ad_ and _cubitum_, an elbow). A bed or rather couch of
a peculiar kind, upon which the Romans reclined at meals, and which
replaced the _lectus triclinarius_. It was a kind of sofa holding only a
single person, while the _lectus triclinarius_ held two or three. The
act of reclining on this sofa was called _accubitio_ or _accubitus_, a
term derived from _accubo_, to recline at table.
=Acerra= or =Acerna=, R. (prob. from _acer_, maple). A small square box
with a hinged lid; a coffer used to hold the incense for sacrifices;
whence its Latin names _arca turalis_, _arcula turalis_, _acerra turis
custos_. The _acerra_ appears on certain bas-reliefs among the sacred
utensils. It is to be seen represented on the altar of the small temple
of Quirinus, at Pompeii, underneath a garland, and above an augur’s
wand. It is generally met with, as being carried by the officiating
priests, at religious ceremonies. The attendant carried the _acerra_ in
the left hand and employed the right hand to sprinkle the incense on the
flame of the altar; whence the expression _libare acerra_. The term
_acerra_ was also used to denote a small portable altar placed before
the dead, on which incense was burnt during the time the corpse was
exposed to view (_collocatio_). The altar was also named, from this
circumstance, _ara turicrema_.
=Acetabula=, R. A kind of bronze cymbals, attached to the hands and
feet, as also to the knees. The same name was also given to silver
cymbals which were played by striking them with a stick of hard wood.
=Acetabulum=, R. (from _acetum_, vinegar). A cup for vinegar used by the
Romans at meals.
The _acetabulum_ was also a goblet used by jugglers among the Greeks and
Romans to make nutmegs disappear. By the latter these jugglers were
called _præstigiatores_, by the former ψηφοκλέπται or ψηφοπαίκται.
Lastly, we find in Pliny the Elder that _acetabulum_ was the name given
to a dry measure of capacity, equal to the quarter of a _hemina_ or the
half of the _quartarius_, and equivalent to .1238 of a pint. [The Greek
_Oxybaphon_.]
=Acha=, =Achia=, =Hachia=, Lat. A battle-axe.
=Achelor=, =Achlere= or =Ashlar=. (Arch.) Hewn stone.
=Achromatic=, Gr. (α priv. χρομος, colour). The effect of an arrangement
of lenses by which a coloured ray of light is rendered colourless.
=Acicula=, Gr. (dimin. of _acus_, a needle or pin). In particular a
bodkin used by the Roman ladies to keep the hair in its place when
curled or plaited, and to keep on false hair. The words _acicula_ and
_acus_ are however all but synonymous. The former does not denote a
bodkin of smaller size than the _acus_, but an object made of an
inferior material; the _acus_ being of silver, ivory or gold, while the
_acicula_ was simply of bone or some hard wood such as box, myrtle,
olive, &c.
[Illustration: Fig. 6. Acinaces.]
=Acinaces=, Orient. (ἀκινάκης; orig. a Persian word). A straight poniard
resembling a very short Roman sword, used by the Eastern nations of
antiquity, especially, the Medes, Persians and Scythians. It was worn by
soldiers suspended from a belt round the waist, but the weapon hung
either at the right or the left side, according to the nationality and
accoutrements of the soldier. When, however, he wore a sword, this was
always placed at the left, and the _acinaces_ at the right side of the
body. The handles of these weapons are generally extremely rich.
=Acisculus=, R. (Diminutive of _ascia_, an adze = a small adze). A small
pick employed by stone-cutters and masons in early times.
Representations of it may be seen pretty frequently on medals, in
especial those of the Valerian family. [See ASCIA.]
=Acketon=, Fr. A quilted leathern jacket, worn under the armour,
introduced from the East by the Crusaders.
=Aclis= or =Aclyx=, R. A sort of harpoon, consisting of a thick short
stock set with spikes. This massive weapon was chiefly employed by
foreign nations, but not by the Romans. It was launched against the
enemy, and drawn back by means of a cord to which it was attached, to be
launched a second time. This weapon bears some resemblance to a
particular kind of _angon_ (or trident). (See ANGONES.)
=Acoustic Vases=, R. (Gr. ἀκουστικὸς, pertaining to the sense of
hearing). Vases of earthenware or more often of bronze, which, in the
theatres of antiquity, served the purpose of strengthening the voices of
the actors. Vases of this kind would also seem to have been employed for
the same purpose during the middle ages, for the architect Oberlin, when
repairing the vault of the choir, in the ancient church of the
Dominicans at Strasburg, discovered some acoustic vases there.
[Illustration: Fig. 7. Acratophorum, Roman.]
=Acratophorum=, Gr. and R. (ἀκρατο-φόρος, holding unmixed wine). A table
vessel for holding pure wine, while the crater (κρατὴρ), on the other
hand, contained wine mixed with water. These vessels were often
dedicated to Bacchus. They were made in earthenware and metal, but those
that were dedicated to the gods were of gold and silver, and had their
place among the treasures of the temples. Fig. 7 represents a silver
acratophorum found at Hildesheim.
=Acrolith=, Gr. (ἄκρον, end, and λίθος stone). A statue covered with
garments which in many cases were gilded. The extremities of these
statues were of marble or stone—whence their name—more rarely of gold
and ivory. The Minerva of Areia, at Platæa in Bœotia, described by
Pausanius, was an _acrolith_. This was by Pheidias. The _acrolith_
period is the infancy of the Greek plastic art.
=Acropodium=, Gr. (ἄκρον, end or point; and πόδιον, a foot). A low
square plinth serving for basement to a statue and often forming part of
it.
=Acropolis=, Gr. (ἀκρό-πολις, upper or higher city). From its primary
meaning the term came to signify a fortified city. They were very
numerous, in ancient times, in Italy, Greece and the colonies of Asia
Minor. Most ancient Greek cities were built upon hills, and the citadel
on the summit of the hill was called the _acropolis_.
=Acrostic=, Chr. (ἄκρον, end, and στίχος, a row or line). A combination
of letters formed out of some word, which is thus made to express a
thought differing from its own meaning. For instance, the Greek word
ΙΧΘΥΣ (ICHTHUS, fish), symbolizes, in the primitive church, the name of
Christ. The following is the acrostic of this word: Ιησους, Χριστος,
Θεου, Υἱος, Σωτηρ I, CH, TH, U, S.
[Illustration: Fig. 8. Roman acrostolium.]
=Acrostolium=, Gr. and R. (ἀκροστόλιον, extremity of beak of a ship). An
ornament employed by the ancients to decorate the upper extremity of the
prows of ships. This ornament often figured among trophies, since it was
the custom for the victor in a naval combat to take the _acrostolia_
from the captured ships. It is frequently to be met with on the
bas-reliefs of triumphal monuments. Fig. 8 shows an _acrostolium_ taken
from a bas-relief in the Museum of the Capitol. The object seen
projecting from the acrostolium is a sounding lead.
=Acroterium=, Gr. and R. (ἀκρωτήριον, the extremity of anything). In a
signification more restricted than the primary one, yet generally
admitted, the term _acroteria_ is applied to the plain socles and
pedestals placed at the summit of buildings to support statues, groups,
or other crownings. ACROTERIUM was the common name for the
_acrostolium_, and the taking of it away as a trophy was called
_acroteriazein_.
=Actia=, Gr., festivals held every fourth year, at Actium, in Epirus, in
honour of Apollo.
=Actinic= (rays of light:) chemically active.
=Actuariæ=, R. (See NAVES). Open boats, built to attain a high degree of
speed, propelled by sails and sweeps, and never fitted with less than
eighteen oars. Pirates used this class of vessel exclusively.
=Actuarii=, R. The shorthand writers who took down speeches in the
senate. Also certain officials who answered to our commissariat
officers.
=Acuminated=, Arch. Finishing in a point, like a lofty Gothic roof.
=Acus=, R. (Gr. ἀκὴ, a point). A bodkin, needle, or pin. The _acus_
denoted both a needle for sewing and a pin for fastening anything. When
used for the hair it was called _acus crinalis_ or _comatoria_. In
Christian archæology the word applies to the jewelled pins used as
fastenings to papal or archiepiscopal vestments. The Roman _acus_ is
worn in the hair by the Italian peasant woman of the present day.
=Addorsed=, Her. (1) Back to back; (2) pointing backwards.
=Adespotoi=, Gr. (ἀ-δέσποτοι, i. e. without masters). A name given to a
certain class of freedmen at Sparta.
=Adobare=, Med. To entrust with arms (to “dub” a knight). Meyrick.
=Adobes.= Bricks manufactured by the ancient Peruvians.
=Adramire=, Med. To challenge to a duel or tournament. (Meyrick.)
[Illustration: Fig. 9. Plan of a Roman temple, showing the adytum.]
=Adytum= or =Adyton=, Gr. and R. (ἄδυτον, from α, priv., and δύω, to
enter). An obscure and secret sanctuary in certain temples from which
the public was excluded, and into which the priests alone might enter.
The little temple of Pompeii possessed an _adytum_, and it was here that
was discovered the Portici Diana now in the Naples Museum. There was
also an _adytum_ in the temple of Delphi, which was burnt down in the
first year of the 58th Olym., and rebuilt by the Corinthian Spintharus.
The temple of Paphos contained in its _adytum_ a representation of the
goddess under the form of a column pointed at the top and surrounded by
candelabra. The engraving shows the position of the adytum of a small
Doric temple, now destroyed, which once stood near the theatre of
Marcellus at Rome. The _adytum_ was the name given to the _cella_ of a
temple, in which oracles were given, or the worship was connected with
mysteries. See ABATON and CELLA.
=Ædicula=, R. (dimin. of _Ædes_, q.v.). A small house, temple, chapel,
tabernacle, or even shrine. Thus the name was given to a small wooden
shrine, constructed to imitate the front of a temple, and in which were
preserved the ancestors of the family (_imagines majorum_), together
with the Lares and tutelar divinities.
=Ægicranes=, Gr. (αἴγειος, of a goat; κρανίον, the skull). A goat’s [or
ram’s] head employed as a decoration by ancient sculptors. It was used
chiefly to adorn altars which were dedicated to rural divinities.
=Æginetan marbles.= Two remarkable groups of very early (archaic) Greek
sculpture, in the Glyptothek at Munich—discovered in the temple of
Pallas-Athene at Ægina, and arranged by Thorwaldsen. They illustrate
“the infancy of art, which lingers round symbolic representation, and
has not yet grasped the full meaning and truth of nature.” (_Butler’s
Imitative Art._) The anatomy of the bodies and limbs at this period is
greatly superior to the expression of the heads.
=Ægis=, Gr. In its primary meaning, a _goat-skin_. The primitive
inhabitants of Greece used the skins of goats and other animals for
clothing, and defence. At a later period the _Ægis_ became a protective
mantle; the shield of Minerva, beneath which the goddess sheltered those
whom she wished to protect from the enemy’s missiles. Later still the
_Ægis_ denoted the breastplate of a divinity, in especial that of
Jupiter or Minerva, as opposed to the _lorica_, which was the
breastplate of a mere mortal. The ægis bore in its centre the Gorgon’s
head, of which the serpents were arranged round the border. Minerva is
generally represented wearing it, either as a cuirass or a scarf passed
over the right shoulder.
=Aëneator= (Lat. _aëneus_, brazen). The name given to any musician who
played on an instrument of brass (_aëneum_); such as the _buccinatores_,
_cornicines_, _liticines_, _tubicines_, &c. They formed a college.
[Illustration: Fig. 10 Eolipyle.]
=Æolipilæ= or =Æolipȳlæ=, Gr. (αἴολος, the wind; and πύλη, an orifice).
A metal vase with a narrow orifice, which was filled with water and
placed upon the fire, either to make the chimney draw better, or,
according to Vitruvius, to show which way the wind blew.
=Æolian Harp=, Gr. A musical instrument that is played on by the wind
passing over its strings.
=Ærarium=, R. (_æs_, money). The public treasury as distinguished from
the private treasury of the Emperors (_fiscus_). Under the Republic the
temple of Saturn served as the public treasury, and here were preserved
the produce of the revenue, the public accounts and other public
records. The army had a separate treasury of its own called _ærarium
militare_, entirely distinct from the _ærarium publicum_. It was
established by Augustus to provide for the special expenditure of the
army.
=Aerial perspective.= The realization of the effect of intervening
atmosphere in the distances of a landscape.
=Æro=, R. A basket made of rushes or broom, but still more commonly of
osier, and used for conveying sand. It was employed by the Roman
soldiery when at work on intrenchments, excavations, or fortifications,
as may be seen from bas-reliefs; more particularly some of those which
adorn the column of Trajan.
=Æruca=, R. (_æs_, bronze). A very brilliant green colour artificially
made to imitate _verdigris_.
=Ærugo=, R. _Verdigris_, the same colour as _æruca_ (q.v.), but obtained
from oxide of bronze. It is difficult to establish a real distinction
between the two terms, as Pliny gives the name of _ærugo_ (the rust of
bronze) to what Vitruvius calls _æruca_. It is probable, however, that
_æruca_ was a kind of verdigris obtained by artificial means, while
_ærugo_ was the natural verdigris. This has given rise to the two terms,
which by many archæologists are confused together. _Æruca_, the
artificial copper rust, formed by the action of wine refuse upon copper,
is an acetate of copper (verdigris): while the genuine copper rust,
_Ærugo_, is a carbonate of copper.
=Ærumna=, R. A kind of fork by which travellers carried their baggage
over the shoulder. 2. An instrument of punishment for slaves. (See
FURCA.)
=Æs.= A term used in antiquity to denote brass, copper, bronze, or any
alloy of these metals. It also serves, in various connexions, to denote
a number of different objects. Such as _æs candidum_, a brass mixed with
silver; _æs Corinthum_, a brass mixed with gold; _æs Cyprium_, the
ancient name for copper. (See also BRONZE.)
=Æs grave=, R. A general term current in Rome to denote any bronze money
at the period when the _as_ was equal to about a pound in value.
=Æs rude=, R. The name given to the bronze ingots employed at Rome as
ready money in exchanges and other commercial transactions.
=Æs thermarum=, Gr. and R. A bronze gong or metal bell hung up in the
public baths, the sound of which, when struck, gave notice to the public
that the baths were sufficiently warm to be ready for use.
=Æs ustum.= Peroxide of copper, or calcined copper.
=Æsthetics=, Gr. (αἰσθάνομαι, to comprehend). The science of the
instinctive apprehension of the harmonies.
=Aetos=, Gr. (Ἀετός). A Greek word signifying _eagle_, and by analogy, a
gable, pediment, or higher part of a building generally, so called from
the resemblance which these parts bear to an eagle with outstretched
wings. In the same way the Greeks gave the name of πτερὰ (wings), to the
outer rows of columns flanking each side of a temple.
=Affidati=, It. One of the Italian literary academies. Their device was
a nautilus, with the motto “tutus per suprema per ima.”
=Affrontée=, Her. Showing the full front.
=Agalma=, =Agalmata=, Gr. (ἄγαλμα, from ἀγάλλω, to glorify). Any work of
art dedicated to a god, whether it were placed in his temple or not;
such as tripods; [braziers for incense], or other accessories of a
temple. The low pillar placed over a tomb, or the statue of a god might
be _agalmata_.
=Agate.= A variety of quartz often employed by the engravers of
antiquity. The term is a corruption of the word _Achates_, a river of
Sicily, on the banks of which numerous varieties of the stone abound.
Among these maybe mentioned the _cerachates_, or white wax-like agate;
_dendrachates_, or arborescent agate; _hemachates_, or blood-agate, so
called from its blood-like spots; and _leucachates_, or white agate.
Agates were often carved into scarabæi by the Egyptians, and Babylonian
cylinders have been found, made of the same material. The oriental agate
is semi-transparent, the occidental is opaque, of various tints, often
_veined_ with quartz and jasper; hence its fitness for cutting cameos.
=Agathodæmon, Cup of=, Gr. (Ἀγαθο-δαίμων). A name given by the Greeks to
a cup consecrated to Bacchus, and meaning literally, the “Cup of the
Good Genius.” It was sent round after a feast, in order that each guest
might partake of the wine.
=Agea=, R. A narrow passage or gangway in a boat, by means of which the
boatswain (_hortator_) communicated with the rowers.
=Agger=, R. A general term to denote a mound of any materials, such as
that formed by a dyke, quay, roadway, or earthwork; and particularly a
rampart composed of trunks of trees and employed in offensive or
defensive warfare. A celebrated _agger_ was that of Servius Tullius at
Rome. The art of constructing _aggeres_ and other fortifications, had
been learnt by the Romans from the Greeks, who in their turn had derived
it from the East. It was after having penetrated into the heart of Asia
under Alexander the Great, that the Greeks learned the use of siege
works employed in the attack or defence of strong places, and became
acquainted with various kinds of warlike engines such as the
ACROBATICON, &c.
=Agnus Bell=, Chr. A sacring bell.
=Agnus Dei=, Chr. THE LAMB OF GOD, or lamb bearing the banner of the
cross. The term is also used to denote certain ornaments or medallions
of wax impressed with a figure of the lamb. They represented the ancient
custom of distributing to worshippers, on the first Sunday after Easter,
particles of wax from the consecrated paschal taper.
=Agolum, R.= A long sharp-pointed shepherd’s stick used by the Roman
herdsmen for driving their cattle. The _agolum_ was made out of a
straight shoot of the prickly pear; it is still in use among the
herdsmen of the Roman campagna at the present day.
=Agonalia= or =Agonia=, R. A Roman festival, which derived its name from
the word _agone_ (shall I proceed?) the question asked of the _rex
sacrificulus_ by the attendant, before he sacrificed the victim. The
Quirinal was called _Mons agonus_, from a festival being held there on
the 17th or 18th of March, in honour of Mars. The day itself was called
_Agonium martiale_ or day of the Liberalia. Another explanation of the
etymology of the name is that the sacrifice was offered on the Quirinal
hill, which was originally called _Agonus_. (Consult Ovid. Fasti, i.
319–332, he suggests several explanations.)
=Agonistic=, (ἀγωνιστικὴ, from ἀγὼν, a contest). With the ancients, that
part of gymnastics in which athletes contended with arms.
[Illustration: Fig. 11. Agora of Antiphellus.]
=Agora=, Gr. (ἀγορὰ, from ἀγείρω, to assemble). A place of assembly or
public market. The _agora_ was to the Greeks what the _forum_ was to the
Romans. There were numerous agoræ in Greece and Asia Minor. Fig. 11,
represents the plan of the _agora_ of Antiphellus; in which _a_ and _b_
indicate the sites of the corn-pits; _c_, that of a basilica. _Agora_ is
also used to denote the general assembly of freemen in contradistinction
to the _Boulè_ (q.v.).
=Agraulia.= An Athenian festival.
=Agrenon=, Gr. and R. A net, or garment of netted wool, worn over their
other dress by the priests of Bacchus and by soothsayers.
=Aguinia=, Med. A corruption of _ingenia_, engines of war. (Meyrick.)
=Aguzo=, It. A spear-head; a spear.
=Ahenum= or =Aenum=. A bronze vessel furnished with a handle for
suspending it over the fire, and so named from the material out of which
it was made. (2) The coppers used in the public baths for heating the
water in.
[Illustration: Fig. 12 Aiglets.]
=Aiglet=, Fr. (_aiguillette_). A metal tag or point to a lace; sometimes
used to signify the lace itself, as in the military costume of the
present day. They were formerly used to fasten the slashed dresses of
the middle ages; and sometimes to fasten armour, when they were made of
leather with metal points. In civilian costume they were of silk. The
term Aiguillette is also applied to the shoulder-knot worn by soldiers
and livery servants.
=Ailettes= (little wings). Armour worn on the shoulders to protect the
back of the neck; found in monumental brasses of the 13th century.
=Aisle= (_ala_, a wing). The wing of a building; the side passages of a
Roman house. In buildings of vast size, such as a basilica or temple,
comprising a central and two lateral naves, the latter are called
aisles.
=Alabarda=, Med. A halberd.
=Alabaster= or =Alabastrum=, (ἀλάβαστρον). A small vase for holding
precious perfumes; so called from the alabaster of which it was
generally made. It was of various shapes, but chiefly assumed an
elongated form resembling a long pear, a pearl-drop, &c. [Many of these
perfume vessels are made of stalactite.] (2) A calcareous substance of
white colour, translucent or semi-transparent, and presenting, according
to the variety, undulating and continuous veins. The various kinds of
ancient alabaster are very numerous; the following may be named;
flowered alabaster (_alabastro fiorito_); golden (_dorato_); quince
coloured (_cotognino_); eyed (_occini_); tortoise-shell (_tartaruga_);
foam-white (_pecorella_); Busca de Palombara (_palombara_); onyx
(_onice_), &c. The Egyptians used alabaster for making statues, phials,
panegyric vases, canopea, small figures, and even sarcophagi; of which
last that of Seti I., now in the British Museum, is an example.
Alabaster was at one time frequently used for tombs and carved figures,
and is now used for pulpits and other ecclesiastical purposes. False
alabaster is the name given to a gypseous variety of this substance, of
which there are rich quarries at Volterra, in Tuscany. It is called
“Gesso Volterrano,” and is much used in Italy for the _grounds_ of
pictures.
=Alabastrotheca=, R. (θήκη, a chest). A box or casket containing
alabaster flasks or vases.
=Aland=, =Alant=, Her. A mastiff with short ears.
=Alapa.= The blow on the shoulder in dubbing a knight.
=Alba creta.= Latin for white chalk, a term used by writers on art for
gypsum.
=Albani stone.= A pepper-coloured stone used in ancient buildings at
Rome before the introduction of marble.
=Albarium= (opus), R. (_albus_, white). A white coating or kind of
stucco with which brick walls were covered after a previous application
of ordinary cement. This stucco, which was also called simply
_albarium_, was made by a mixture of chalk, plaster, and white marble.
=Albalista=, =Arbalest=. A cross-bow.
[Illustration: Fig. 13. Albe.]
=Albe=, (_albus_, white). An ancient ecclesiastical vestment, common in
old brasses. It was a long white linen gown, reaching to the feet, and
secured by a girdle. The surplice is an _albe_ with wider sleeves. (Fig.
13.)
=Alberk=, for =Hauberk=. A cuirass.
=Album=, Gr. and R. (_albus_, white). A space on the surface of a wall
covered with white plaster, upon which were written advertisements or
public announcements. By analogy the term was used to denote any kind of
white tablets bearing an inscription, such as edicts, decrees, &c. These
tablets were very numerous; there were the _album pontificis_,
_prætoris_, _centuriæ_, _decurionum_, _judicum_, _senatorum_, &c.
=Alcato=, Arab. In armour, a gorget.
=Alcora pottery= (See DENIA.)
=Alcove.= A niche or recess in a room.
=Aldobrandini, Marriage=, R. A celebrated fresco from the gardens of
Mecænas, discovered at Rome near the church of Santa Maria Maggiore,
whence it was conveyed to the villa Aldobrandini, and afterwards sold to
the Borghese family. This painting which indisputably dates from the
reign of Augustus, consists of a group of ten figures, representing,
according to some, the marriage of Peleus and Thetis; and according to
others, that of Manlius and Julia.
[Illustration: Fig. 14. Point d’Alençon.]
=Alençon, Point d’.= Lace formerly known as Point de France. It is the
only French lace not made on the pillow, but worked entirely by hand
with a fine needle, on a parchment pattern; it is called “Vilain” in the
French provinces, and in England is known as needle point. (Fig. 14.)
=Alerion=, Her. An eagle, in early Her., represented without feet or
beak. (See EAGLE.)
=Ale-stake.= In the middle ages the roadside ale-house was distinguished
by a stake projecting from the house, on which some object was hung for
a sign.
=Alexandrinum= (opus), R. A kind of mosaic employed especially for the
pavement of rooms. The distinctive feature of these mosaics is that the
lines or figures composing the designs are in two colours only, the
prevailing ones being red and black upon a white ground. A large number
of mosaics of this description exist at Pompeii, which are also called
_sectilia_.
=Alexikakos= (Apollo). Another name of the celebrated statue generally
called the Belvedere Apollo; from Nero’s villa at Antium.
=Algaroth powder.= An ingredient in the manufacture of an Antimony white
pigment.
[Illustration: Fig. 15. Alhambraic ornament.]
=Alhambraic.= Ornamentation in the Moorish style of the Alhambra, the
characteristic of which is a faithful imitation of natural combinations
of form and colour, with a rigid avoidance of the representation of
natural objects. (Fig. 15.)
=Alicula=, R. A kind of large mantle, furnished sometimes with a hood.
The term is derived from the Greek ἄλλιξ, the name given to the
Thessalian chlamys. (See CHLAMYS.)
=Alizarin=, the colouring principle of the madder.
=Allecret= or =Hallecret=. A light armour for cavalry and infantry,
consisting of a breastplate and tassets (or gussets), 16th century.
=Allegory= in art, is allegorically represented as a female figure
veiled.
=All Halowes= or =All Hallowes=. O. E. for All Saints.
=Alloys= of Gold. Gold is found alloyed with various metals, never
without silver, often with copper, iron, or other substances in small
quantities, and sometimes with mercury, when it is called an _amalgam_.
Gold alloyed with silver is called _native gold_. See ELECTRUM.
=Allouyère= Fr. (Lat. _alloverium_). A purse or pouch often carried at
the girdle, for holding papers, jewels, and money.
=Almayne Rivets= (German Rivets). Rivets used in plates of armour made
to slide and thus give play to the arms and legs, invented in the 17th
century, in Germany; hence their name.
=Almery=, =Aumery=, or =Ambry=, Arch. Chr. A niche or cupboard by the
side of an altar, to contain the utensils belonging thereto.
=Almond=, Chr. An aureole of elliptic form, which is frequently met with
encircling representations of saints, or of God the Father, God the Son,
or the Virgin. A more common name, however, for this aureole is VESICA
PISCIS (q.v.). The term of _mystical almond_ was applied to the symbol
expressive of the virginity of the Virgin Mary. The mystical meaning
attached to this symbol is explained by reference to the rod of Aaron,
which consisted of the bough of an almond-tree that had flowered in a
single night and produced an almond on the morrow.
=Almonry=, =Almonarium=, Arch. Chr. A room where alms were distributed.
[Illustration: Fig. 16. Almuce.]
=Almuce=, =Aumuce=, =Amess=, Chr. (_almutium_). A furred hood worn by
the clergy for the sake of warmth, from the 13th to 16th centuries.
Common in brasses of the 15th century. (Fig. 16.)
=Aloa=, or =Haloa=. An Attic festival, in honour of Demeter and
Dionysus.
=Alostel=, O. E. A cry of heralds at the close of a tournament, ordering
the combatants to quit the lists and retire to their lodgings.
=Alpha= and =Omega=, Chr. (ἄλφα and ὠμέγα). These two letters,
respectively the first and the last of the Greek alphabet, symbolize our
earthly life, since this has a beginning and an end. They are also a
symbol of God as being the beginning and end of everything.
=Altar.= A kind of platform or table upon which sacrifices were offered
to the gods. Hence, in Christian art, the table upon which the
Eucharistic sacrifice is offered. (See ANTEPENDIUM, CIBORIUM, REREDOS,
&c. See ALTARE and ARA.)
=Altar cards=, Chr. Portions of the service of the mass printed
separately on cards, and placed against the reredos of an altar.
=Altar cloth=, Chr. The linen coverings, and embroidered hangings of an
altar.
=Altare=, R. (_alta ara_, high altar). A raised altar as
contradistinguished from the _ara_ which was of no great height. (Fig.
17.)
[Illustration: Fig. 17. Circular Roman altar.]
=Altar front=, Chr. An antependium (q.v.).
=Altar screen=, Chr. The partition behind the high altar, separating it
from the Lady Chapel.
=Alto-rilievo= (Ital.) High Relief. See RILIEVO.
=Alum= is used in many processes—in the preparation of paper for
water-colour painting, and of _lakes_, and _carmine_, from cochineal.
_Roche alum_, or roach alum, _Roman alum_, and _Turkey alum_, are
varieties of the common alum, described by mediæval writers as
_alumens_.
=Alumen= (Lat.), Greek, (_stypteria_). Mediæval writers confused this
word with the alums. The name was applied by the classics to several
salts of the nature of vitriols, and among them to the natural sulphate
of iron (_copperas_ or _green vitriol_ of commerce).
=Alur=, =Aloring=, or =Alurde=, &c., O.E. Parapet wall.
=Alvéole=; see NIMBUS.
=Alveus=, R. (_alvus_, the belly). (1) A bath constructed in the floor
of a room, the upper part of it projected above the floor, the lower
part being sunk into the floor itself. (2) A playing-board, which was
divided in the same manner as the ABACUS (q.v.). (3) A canoe hollowed
out of the trunk of a tree, the Greek μονόξυλον. (4) The hull of a ship.
(5) A wooden trough or tray.
=Ama= or =Amula=, Chr. A long phial for holding the wine presented at
the altar at the moment of offering.
=Amassette=, Fr. An instrument of horn used for spreading colours on the
stone in the process of grinding.
=Amatito=, Ital. Lapis Amatita. Amatito is the _soft_ red hæmatite, and
is called also _matita rossa_. _Lapis amatita_ is the _compact_ red
hæmatite, and is also called in Italy _mineral cinnabar_, and in Spain
_albin_. When this word is used by early writers on art, it probably
indicates _red ochre_, the red hæmatite of mineralogists. (Fairholt.)
=Amber.= There are two varieties of this substance, viz., the grey and
the yellow amber, of which the latter only need here be more
particularly noticed. Its use may be traced back to a very early
antiquity, the purposes to which it was applied being the setting of
jewels and furniture. It was employed by the Jews for making amulets.
Amber was also used by the Egyptians in the fabrication of necklaces
composed of pearls or other delicate materials. By the Romans it was
sculptured into vases or statuettes. The name of _vasa electrina_ was
given to amber vases set with silver, and that of _electrina patera_ to
pateræ made of amber alone. Amber was largely used by early painters as
a _varnish_, and also as a _vehicle_. It is harder than copal, and is
said to be the most durable of all varnishes. It requires a long time to
fit it for _polishing_. Amber is supposed to be a vegetable fossil; it
is washed up by the sea, especially on the shores of the Baltic.
=Amber Yellow=, is an _ochre_ of a rich amber colour in its raw state;
when burned it yields a fine _brown red_.
=Ambitus=, Gr. R. and Chr. (_ambio_, to go round about). A small niche
in underground Greek or Roman tombs forming a receptacle for a cinerary
urn. In the Middle Ages these niches were so far enlarged as to admit
coffins; the name under which they then went being ENFEUS (q.v.). During
the same period the term _ambitus_ was also applied to the consecrated
ground by which a church was surrounded. It served as a place of asylum
as well as for burial. The term is also applied to the process of
canvassing for votes.
=Ambivium=, R. (_ambi_ and _via_, a way round). Any road or street
leading _round_ a place.
[Illustration: Fig. 18. The ambo of St. Lawrence at Rome.]
=Ambo=, Chr. (perhaps from ἀναβαίνειν, to ascend). A tribune of stone or
marble in the ancient Latin basilicas, a pulpit. Fig. 18 gives a
representation of the ambo in the church of St. Lawrence without the
walls at Rome.
=Ambrices=, R. The cross laths (_regulæ_) inserted between the rafters
and the tiles of a roof.
=Ambry=; see ALMERY.
=Ambulant=, Her. In the act of walking.
=Ambulatory=, Chr. (_ambulo_, to walk). Part of a cloister, forming a
kind of gallery for taking exercise in.
=Amenti= or =Amenthi=, Egyp. One of the names given to the nether world
of the Egyptians. It means the _unseen region_. We learn from Plutarch’s
treatise on Osiris that, “the subterranean regions whither souls betake
themselves after death is called _Amenthes_.” Osiris is the lord and god
of Amenti, which was also called by the Egyptians the _country of
truth_.
=Amentum=, R. A thong attached to the shaft of a lance at the centre of
gravity. The soldier placed the fingers of his right hand between the
two ends of the thong, gave the weapon a rapid turn, and then hurled it.
_Amentum_ was also used to denote the leather strap by which certain
kinds of boots, such as the _crepidæ_, _solæ_, &c., were fastened above
the instep.
=Amess.= (See ALMUCE.)
=Amethyst=, (ἀμέθυστος, without intoxication.) A precious stone of a
more or less deep violet colour. The engravers of antiquity carved
figures upon it, in especial those of Bacchus, since the stone was also
used, in preference to any other, for making drinking-cups, from a
belief that it possessed the virtue of dispelling intoxication. This was
the origin of the Greek term. Among the ancient Jews the amethyst was
one of the twelve stones composing the breastplate of the high priest;
it occupied the eighth or ninth row. In Christian symbolism the amethyst
(or the colour violet) signifies humility and modesty.
=Amiantus=, (ἀμίαντος [? undefiled]). A fibrous uninflammable mineral
substance. It was used by the ancients for making fire-proof clothing.
It was known by the name of _asbestus_ (ἄσβεστος, uninflammable).
=Amice.= A piece of fine linen in the form of an oblong square,
suspended over the shoulders of the clergy. _Pugin_ says it is “a white
linen napkin or veil worn by all the clergy above the four minor
orders.” _Durand_ says it is a proper covering for the head, typical of
the helmet of salvation alluded to by the apostle; or of the cloth with
which the Jews covered the Saviour’s face, when they asked him to
prophecy who struck him. Milton, in _Paradise Regained_, alludes to it,—
“Morning fair
Came forth with pilgrim steps, in _amice_ grey.”
=Amma=, Egyp. (1) A measure of length in use among the ancient
Egyptians. It was about sixty feet. (2) A kind of line used in land
surveying.
=Ammah=, Egyp. The door which formed the exit from the abode of the
dead. Chapters lxxiii. and cxv. of the _Book of the Dead_ are
entitled,—_On passing Ammah_; i. e. _directing one’s course to heaven by
stepping over the Ammah_.
=Amorevole= of Verona. One of the Italian literary academies. Their
device was a hedgehog with its spines laden with grapes (for its young).
Motto, “non solum nobis.”
=Amorini=, Ital. Cupids.
=Ampelitis=, Gr. (ἄμπελος, a vine). A black pigment prepared by the
ancients from the burnt branches of the vine.
=Amphibalus=, Chr. A vestment, used on Sundays and high festivals;
peculiar to the Gallican Church.
=Amphidromia.= Family festival held by the Athenians upon the occasion
of the birth of a child. The carrying of the child round the hearth gave
the name to the festival.
=Amphimallum=, Gr. and R. (ἀμφί-μαλλον, woolly on both sides). A
description of woollen cloth more or less rough, and having a nap on
both sides.
=Amphiprostylos=, Gr. and R. (ἀμφι-πρόστυλος). A temple or other
building having two open porticoes (_porticum_ and _posticum_), both in
front and rear. They are so constructed as to project beyond the
_cella_, or main body of the building.
=Amphitapus=, Gr. and R. (ἀμφί-ταπος, hairy on both sides). A particular
kind of cloth, made of some material resembling Vicuna wool, and having,
like the _amphimallum_, a nap on both sides. It was probably of Eastern
origin.
[Illustration: Fig. 19. Ground-plan of an amphitheatre.]
=Amphitheatre=, R. (ἀμφι-θέατρον). A building which was at first
constructed for the purpose of exhibiting gladiatorial shows to the
Roman populace; but later on any kind of spectacle, even to a
_naumachia_, or sea-fight, was exhibited there. In the engraving, A
shows the ground-plan of an amphitheatre, and B the plan of the seats.
[Illustration: Fig. 20. Greek Amphoræ.]
=Amphora=, Gr. and R. (ἀμφὶ-φορέω). A large earthenware vessel, having a
handle on each side of its neck (whence the name), and terminating in a
point. Amphoræ were used for holding various kinds of produce,
especially wine; they were placed side by side in an upright position in
the cellar, the floor of which was covered with a deep bed of sand. The
engravings represent amphoræ from Cnidus, Chio, and Samos. Amphoræ were
also made of glass; and a specimen is mentioned by Nepos of one made of
onyx. Homer mentions them of gold and stone; and the Egyptians had them
of brass.
=Amphotis=, Gr. and R. 1. A brass cap lined with cloth inside. 2. A
simple woollen cap worn by athletes to protect their temples and ears
from the blows of the _cestus_, in a boxing match. 3. A wooden vessel in
use among the ancient Greek peasants, as a milking-pail. It derived its
name from having two handles or ears.
=Ampulla=, Gr. and R. A phial or flask with short and narrow neck and
spherical body, which was used to hold the oil requisite for bathers
(_ampulla oleria_); it could also be used to hold vinegar, wine, and
other beverages, and was then called _ampulla potaria_. The ampulla
generally took the form of a globe or bladder, but not invariably; a
lentil-shaped variety with rounded sides was very common. _Ampulla
rubida_ was the name given to the leather-covered flasks which were made
use of by travellers or sportsmen to carry wine, vinegar, or oil. The
vessel or cruet used in Christian churches for the consecrated oil or
wine was hence called the AMPUL.
=Ampyx=, Gr. and R. (ἄμπυξ, from ἀμπέχω, to surround). Latin _frontale_.
A general term to denote any net composed of strings, bands, or ribbons,
which forms a head-band. It thus denotes at once a woman’s head-dress,
or the ornamental strips of leather which serve as head-band for a
horse. The _ampyx_ worn by women was in some cases very costly, being
made of gold or silver, and adorned with precious stones. The term was
also applied, by analogy, to the cover of a vase. Another word for it is
_ampicter_.
=Amulets.= Objects of a very heterogeneous description, to which is
superstitiously attributed the power of healing certain diseases, or
averting them from men and animals. This is the meaning which attaches,
in its widest sense, to the term amulet (_amuletum_). Amulets are
unquestionably of Eastern origin; by the Egyptians they were looked upon
as preservatives against dangers, unlucky days, enemies, &c. The
varieties of them were very numerous; among others, were scarabæi, small
columns, cartouches, symbolic eyes, interlacing fingers, heads of uræus,
&c. A large number of stones were also employed as amulets; those of
commonest occurrence are hematite, jasper, lapis lazuli, amethysts,
diamonds, heliotropes, &c. Each of these amulets had its special virtue;
for instance, the clear crystal worn during prayer rendered the god
propitious, and compelled him to give ear to the suppliant. Coral kept
every evil influence away from a house; and in Italy it is looked upon,
even at the present day, as a preservative against the evil eye. In
Christian archæology, the name of amulets, or in some instances,
ENCOLPIA (q.v.), was given to relics, or objects of devotion, such as
crosses, medals, wood from the true cross, the bones of saints, &c.
Amulets were also called _periapta_ (περίαπτα), i. e. suspended, because
they were hung round the neck, and also _pyctacium_, because some
amulets were folded in two. The Arabic word amulet means the same as
_periapta_, that which is suspended.
=Amussis=, R. The exact sense of this term is not clearly defined by
ancient authors, beyond the fact that it denotes generally any kind of
instrument employed by builders—especially masons—for testing the
accuracy, regularity, and evenness of their work. The term is used to
denote sometimes the plumb-line, rule, or square; sometimes the level,
measuring-line, &c.
=Anabathra=, Gr. and R. (ἀνά-βαθρα, steps up). Steps or stairs; a raised
step; a mounting block. These last were often placed along the high
roads.
=Anabologium=, Chr. Another name for the Humerale or AMICE (q.v.).
=Anaceia= or =Anakeia=, Gr. (from ἄναξ, a king). A festival held at
Athens in honour of Castor and Pollux, who were also called _Anaktes_
and _Anakestes_. (See ANACEIUM). Similar festivals were held at Sparta,
Argos, and other cities of Greece.
=Anaceium=, Gr. A temple of ancient Athens, dedicated to Castor and
Pollux. Slaves used to be sold there.
=Anaclinterium=, Gr. (ἀνακλιντήριον). The head-board of a sofa or bed,
which served as a support for the bolster and the pillow on which the
sleeper’s head rested.
=Anadem=, Gr. (ἀνάδημα). In general a fillet or head-band; but in a more
restricted acceptation, an ornamental band, such as was worn by women
and youths among the Greeks. It was thus distinguished from the
_diadema_ and the _vitta_, which were also head-bands, but worn solely
as the insignia of honorary, regal, or religious distinctions.
=Anaglyph=, (ἀνὰ and γλύφειν, to carve). A general term to denote any
work of art that is sculptured, chased, carved, or embossed, such as
cameos, bas-reliefs, or other raised work, whether in metal, marble, or
ivory. When such sculptures or chasings are incised or sunk, they are
called INTAGLIOS or DIAGLYPHS (q.v.). According to St. Clement of
Alexandria, anaglyphs were employed by the Egyptians when they wished to
hand down a panegyric of any king under the form of a religious myth.
Although the words of St. Clement are very obscure, and have furnished
materials for countless discussions, it is now admitted that the
anaglyphs in question belong to the group of hieroglyphics which may be
deciphered on the cartouches of the Pharaohs, and in which we have, in
fact, panegyrics of the Egyptian kings veiled in religious myths. The
Egyptians also gave the name of anaglyphs to a kind of secret writing,
understood only by the initiated; even at the present day it remains
undecipherable, owing to our imperfect knowledge of Egyptian mythology.
(See CÆLATURA.)
=Anagogia.= A festival at Eryx, in Sicily, in honour of Aphrodite.
=Analemma=, Gr. and R. (ἀνάλημμα). Any raised construction which serves
for a support or rest, and more particularly a pier, wall, or buttress.
(2) The pedestal of a sun-dial, and so the sun-dial itself.
=Anancœum=, R. A drinking-cup of great capacity, the form of which is
unknown. If we may credit Varro it was sometimes richly chased.
=Anankaion=, Gr. (ἀναγκαῖον, from ἀνάγκη, restraint). A kind of prison
the purpose of which is not exactly known. According to some
archæologists it was a private prison for slaves, or for freedmen, who,
from some fault, were reduced to servitude again; others assert that it
was a public prison.
=Anapiesma=, Gr. and R. (ἀνα-πίεσμα, that which is pressed back). An
appliance used in ancient theatres. It was a kind of trap-door by means
of which deities were raised from beneath the stage so as to make them
visible to the spectators. The _proscenium_ contained a certain number
of these trap-doors; one of them, leading from the orchestra to the
front of the stage, enabled the Furies to appear; by another, marine
deities made their appearance; while that through which passed the
shades who ascended Charon’s staircase was called _Charon’s anapiesma_.
=Anastatic.= An ingenious modern process of reproducing copies of
printed matter, engravings, ink drawings, &c., by transferring them to a
sheet of polished zinc.
=Anathēma=, Chr. (ἀνάθημα, an offering). Anything offered up in churches
by the faithful; as, for instance, vases and other utensils for
sacrifice, altar ornaments, &c.
=Anathĕma=, Chr. The greater excommunication, answering to the Hebrew
_cherem_.
=Anchor.= In Christian Art, the emblem of Hope. The attribute of S.
Clement, the Pope, who was bound to an anchor, and thrown into the sea.
(See ANCORA.)
=Ancile=, R. A shield of the shape of a violin case. It was the sacred
shield which, according to tradition, had fallen from heaven into the
palace of Numa. It occurs frequently on medals, especially those of
Augustus. The two incavations of the shield were more or less deep, and
usually semicircular. But Ovid describes it as of an entirely different
shape, being cut evenly all round; _Idque ancile vocat, quod ab omni
parte recisum est_ (Ovid, Fast. iii. 377). The SALII, or twelve priests
of Mars Gradivus, had twelve such shields. The form was oval, with the
two sides curving evenly inwards, so as to make it broader at the ends
than in the middle. They used to beat their shields and dance.
=Anclabris=, Gr. and R. A small table used instead of an altar at
sacrifices; it was slightly concave, so as to adapt it to hold the
entrails of the victim for the inspection of the diviners. (See ALTAR.)
=Ancon=, Gr. and R. (αγκων). A term admitting various meanings, (1) A
small console on each side of a door supporting an ornamental cornice.
(2) The arm of a chair or arm-chair. (3) A cramp of wood or metal
serving to connect together courses of masonry or blocks of stone. (4)
The prongs or forks at the end of the props employed by hunters to hang
their nets upon. (5) An earthenware vessel used in Roman taverns for
holding wine. According to the etymology of the word which in Greek
signifies hollow or elbow, this bottle must have been shaped like a
retort. (6) The arms or branches of the square used by carpenters and
stone masons, which form an angle similar to that formed by the bent
arm.
[Illustration: Fig. 21. Roman anchor, from a bas-relief.]
=Ancora=, Gr. and R. (ἀγκύρα, from ἄγκος, a bend). An anchor or piece of
iron used to stop a ship. Like those now in use, the ancient anchors
were generally furnished with two flukes or arms, but sometimes they had
only one. In the latter case they were called _terostomos_, a term
corresponding to our modern blind anchor. A bas-relief on the column of
Trajan represents an anchor placed at the bow of the vessel. In
Christian archæology the anchor is a symbol of hope; an anchor is
frequently met with, among Christian symbols, associated with a fish;
the emblem of the Saviour (See ACROSTIC).
=Ancorale=, Gr. and R. Literally the cable of an anchor, and then the
buoy-rope, or even the buoy itself. The ancient anchors had a ring at
the end of the shank to which the buoy-rope was attached. The latter
served not only to indicate the place where the anchor lay, but also to
drag the flukes out of the ground when the anchor was raised.
=Andiron.= Iron standards with bars for supporting logs of wood fires,
frequently richly ornamented, and sometimes made partly of silver.
=Andriantes=, Gr. (ἀνδριάντες, images of men). Statues set up by the
Greeks in honour of the victors in the public games. This custom dated
from 50 Olym., or 584 B.C.
=Androgeonia.= An Athenian annual festival, in honour of Androgeus, the
son of Minos.
[Illustration: Fig. 22. Plan of a Greek house, showing the andron.]
=Andron=, =Andronitis=, Gr. and Gr.-R. (ἀνδρὼν, from ἀνὴρ, a man). That
part of the Greek or Græco-Roman house exclusively set apart for men.
Fig. 22 represents the ground-plan of a Greek house; the _andron_
occupies all that part of the building which surrounds the open court,
and consists of the apartments numbered 1 to 9. The Romans applied the
term simply to a passage separating a house or part of a house from
another.
=Anelace=, O. E. A knife or dagger worn at the girdle; broad, two-edged
and sharp.
“An _anelace_ and a gipciere all of silk,
Hung at his girdle, white as morwe milk.”
(CHAUCER, _Canterbury Tales_.)
[Illustration: Fig. 23. Angel of the reign of Elizabeth.]
=Angel.= A gold coin current in England and France in the 15th and 16th
centuries. It derived its name from the figure of an angel stamped upon
it. A similar coin, either of gold or silver, was current in France at
various periods. From the time of Louis IX. to that of Louis XI., the
gold angel was equal in value to a crown of fine gold, or a little more
than fourteen francs. It was stamped with a figure of St. Michael,
holding in his right hand a sword, and in his left a shield with three
fleur-de-lys. Henry VI., king of England, when he was in possession of
Paris, had a gold angel struck which was not above seven francs in
value. It was stamped with the figure of an angel holding in his hand
the shields of France and England. The same king also had a silver angel
struck which was only worth about five and a half francs.
[Illustration: Fig. 24. Arms of France with Angels as supporters. XIV.
century.]
=Angels=, (Gr. ἄγγελος, a messenger) in Christian Art are represented in
nine degrees, which are divided into three categories. The first
consists of Seraphim, Cherubim, and Thrones; the second of Dominations,
Virtues, Powers; and the third of Princedoms, Archangels, and Angels.
They are represented as young, to show their continued strength; winged
as messengers of speed; barefooted and girt to show their readiness; in
robes of white indicative of purity, or in cloth of gold for their
glory; the cloth of gold diapered with bands of precious stones; the
emerald, emblem of _unfading youth_; the crystal, of _purity_; the
sapphire, of _celestial contemplation_; and the ruby, of _divine love_.
During the renaissance, Pugin complains, “the edifying and traditional
representations of angelic spirits were abandoned, and, in lieu of the
albe of purity and golden vests of glory, the artists indulged in pretty
cupids sporting in clouds, &c.” The proper attributes of the angels are
trumpets, for the _voice of God_; flaming swords, for the _wrath of
God_; sceptres, for the _power of God_; thuribles or censers for the
_prayers of saints_, and musical instruments to emblem their _felicity_.
=Angiportus= or =Angiportum=, R. A narrow road passing between two
houses or rows of houses, or an alley leading to a single house.
[Illustration: Fig. 25. Point d’Angleterre.]
=Angleterre, Point d’.= Lace made by Flemish makers who were invited to
settle in England in the reign of Charles II., the English Parliament
having passed an act prohibiting the importation of all foreign lace.
England, however, could not produce the necessary flax, and the lace was
of inferior quality. The merchants of the time remedied this by
smuggling large quantities of lace from the Brussels market, selling it
as English Point or Point d’Angleterre, by which latter name it is still
known, effacing the old name “Point de Bruxelles.” (Fig. 25.)
=Anglicanum Opus.= (See EMBROIDERY.)
=Angones.= French weapons of the Middle Ages furnished with three
blades, one of which was straight, broad and keen, the remaining two
curving outwards. Some angons have a lozenge-shaped head-blade. They
were used as a kind of pike, and sometimes hurled like javelins. The
latter kind somewhat resembled the _aclis_.
=Anguilla=, R. A whip made use of by Roman schoolmasters for punishing
their scholars. It was so called because made from the skin of an eel
(_anguis_).
=Anguis=, R. A serpent which among the Romans symbolized the local
spirit (_genius loci_). Serpents were painted upon a wall to deter the
public from defiling the spot thus indicated. At Pompeii these
representations of serpents are found in the bakehouses, kitchens, and
similar places where cleanliness is peculiarly desirable. The same term
was applied to a military ensign in the shape of a serpent.
=Anime.= Gum anime is a resin, which is mixed with copal in making
varnish, causing it to dry quickly and firmly.
=Animosi of Milan.= One of the Italian literary academies. Their device
was “stags passing a river, resting on the heads of each other.” Motto,
“Dant animos vices.” (Mutual help gives strength.)
=Anklets=, Gr. (See PERISCELIS.)
=Annealing.= The process of tempering brittle glass and metals by heat.
=Annulet=, Her. A plain ring, or false roundle.
=Annulets=, Arch. The rings or mouldings about the lower part of the
echinos or ovolo of Doric capitals.
=Annulus= or =Anulus=, Gr. and R. (dimin. of _anus_, a ring). A
finger-ring. They were originally made of iron, and used as a signet for
sealing. Later on they were made of gold. Among the Greeks and Romans
they were worn on the fourth finger of the left hand, whence the
expression _sedere ad anulos alicui_, to be seated at any one’s left
hand. The _anulus bigemmis_ was a ring set with two precious stones;
_anulus velaris_ was a curtain ring. A plait of hair arranged in circles
round the back of the head was also called _anulus_. In architecture the
term was formerly employed instead of _anulet_. The stone most
frequently used for rings was the onyx, upon which devices were carved
with wonderful skill. The _bezel_, or part of the ring which contained
the gem, was called PALA. (See RINGS.)
=Ansa=, Gr. and R. A term signifying both haft and handle, and even
eyelet or hole. Any vessel or vase which has large ears or circular
handles on the neck or body, is said to be furnished with _ansæ_. _Ansa
ostii_ was the term applied to the handle by which a door is pulled or
shut to. The bronze or iron eyelet on the top of a steelyard were also
called _ansæ stateræ_. The holes or eyelets made in the side leathers of
a Greek or Roman shoe were called _ansæ crepidæ_; the handle of the
rudder, _ansa gubernaculi_; lastly an iron cramp was called _ansa
ferrea_.
[Illustration: Fig. 26. Templum in antis.]
=Antæ=, R. Square or rectangular pilasters supporting the walls of a
temple, which was thence called _templum in antis_. (Fig. 26.) The
_antæ_ thus formed the end of the walls of the _cella_. The capitals of
_antæ_ and the friezes abutting on them were sometimes richly
ornamented, as may be seen by referring to Fig. 27, which represents, in
their restored state, the frieze and one of the antæ in the temple of
Augustus, at Ancyra, in Galatia.
[Illustration: Fig. 27. Capital and frieze of one of the Antæ in the
temple of Augustus.]
=Antarius=, =Antarii funes=, R. Ropes employed for raising into the
proper position any object of considerable weight, such as a column,
mast, &c.
[Illustration: Fig. 29. Archaic Antefixa in terra-cotta.]
=Antefixa.= Ornaments of terra-cotta which were placed above the
cornice, at the end of each row of tiles on a roof (Fig. 29). They were
also used in ancient times for decorating the ridge of a roof. We
possess specimens of antefixa remarkable for delicacy of design and
execution; such were the antefixa of the temple of Diana Propylæa at
Eleusis, and the various Etruscan specimens to be found in our museums.
They were decorated with masks, leaves, and especially palms painted to
imitate nature or in different colours. The Etruscans employed coloured
antefixa only; many specimens of these last may be seen at the Louvre,
and in the museums of Perugia, Florence, and Naples. The Antefixa of the
Parthenon were of marble. (Fig. 30.)
[Illustration: Fig. 30. Antefixa in marble from the Parthenon.]
=Antemural.= A term referring either to the outworks protecting the
approach to a castle, or to the wall surrounding the castle.
=Antenna=, R. The yard-arm of a ship.
=Antepagmentum=, R. The jamb of a door. _Antepagmentum superius_, the
lintel.
=Antependium.= Richly ornamented hangings of precious metal, wood, or
textile fabrics, in front of a Christian altar.
=Anteportico.= A synonym of PORCH (q.v.); but little used.
[Illustration: Fig. 31. Anterides of the Cloaca Maxima at Rome.]
=Anterides=, Gr. and R. (? ἀντερείδω, to stand firm). A structure
employed to strengthen a weaker one. It consisted of a kind of buttress
placed against an outer wall, chiefly in subterranean constructions,
such as a sewer or aqueduct. Fig. 31 represents the _anterides_ of the
Cloaca Maxima at Rome.
=Anthony, Cross of St.=, in the form of the letter T. It is the
idealized representation of a crutch. (See CROSSES.)
=Anthropomorphic.= Man-shaped; said for example of the character of the
Greek Religion, whose gods and demi-gods were only ideal men, from which
circumstance the representation of the human form became the first
object of their plastic art.
=Antia.= The iron handle of a shield.
=Antiæ=, R. The ringlets of hair worn by men and women which hung about
the ears and the temples.
=Antick.= Strange, irregular, or fantastic in composition.
=Antilena=, R. An appliance attached to the pack-saddle of a beast of
burden. It was a broad strap passing in front of the animal’s breast so
as to prevent the saddle from slipping backwards. It was employed
especially in mountainous districts.
=Antimensium=, Chr. A consecrated altar cloth.
=Antimony.= The oxide of this metal is employed in the preparation of
yellow pigments for enamel or porcelain painting. Glass is coloured
yellow by antimony. (See NAPLES, GUIMET’S YELLOWS.)
=Antipendium=, Chr. (See ANTEPENDIUM.)
=Antiphoner=, Chr. An antiphonarium; a book of responses set to music.
=Antique.= Pertaining to ancient Greek or Roman art: more freely used in
recent times to describe the quality of ancient art in general, but
properly applicable only to classical art.
[Illustration: Fig. 32. Opus Antiquum.]
=Antiquum Opus=, Arch. An ancient kind of stone-work or masonry composed
of irregular stones. Another name for it was _opus incertum_.
=Antiseptic varnish.= A glazing composed to protect vegetable or animal
pigments.
=Antitype.= The realization of the _type_.
=Antonine Column.= One of the most valuable architectural monuments in
Rome. It is a lofty pillar ornamented with a series of bas-reliefs
extending spirally from the base to the summit, representing the
victories of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius Antoninus.
=Anulus.= (See ANNULUS.)
=Anvil.= In Christian art the attribute of St. Adrian, and of St. Eloy,
the patron saint of the smiths.
=Apalare=, R. A kitchen utensil; a sort of large metal spoon or ladle.
=Ape.= In Christian art the emblem of malice and of lust. Common in
illuminations of the penitential psalms, in allusion to David’s fall.
=Apex=, R. (_apex_, the top). A piece of olive wood pointed at the end,
and set in a flock of wool. It formed the head-dress of the _Flamines_
and _Salii_. By analogy, the term was further used to denote a cap, and
also the ridge on the top of a helmet to which the horsehair crest was
attached.
=Aphractus=, Gr. and R. (ἄφρακτον, lit. unguarded). A vessel without a
deck, or only partly decked fore and aft.
=Aphrodisia=, Gr. (Ἀφροδίσια). A general term under which were comprised
all the festivals held in honour of Venus (_Aphroditè_).
[Illustration: Fig. 33. Aplustre and anchor of a Roman ship.—From
bas-relief.]
=Aplustre=, Gr. and R. (ἄφλαστον). An ornament placed at a ship’s stern.
It was constructed of flexible wooden planks, in imitation of the
feather of a bird’s wing.
=Apobates=, Gr. (Lat. _Desultor_). One who dismounts. (1) Soldiers in
chariots who leaped in and out in the fight. (2) The circus riders who
leaped from one horse to another.
=Apodyterium=, R. and Gr.-R. (from ἀπὸ δύω, to put off). In a general
sense, an undressing-room, and more particularly the apartment in the
baths where the bathers undressed. As little light penetrated from
without, there was generally a lamp burning in a niche. An _apodyterium_
such as that just described may still be seen at Pompeii.
=Apollino=, It. The name usually given to the beautiful “Apollo of
Florence,” attributed to Praxiteles.
=Apophyge= or =Apophysis=, Arch. The small fascia or band at the top and
base of the shaft of columns.
[Illustration: Fig. 34. Apostle Mug.]
=Apostle Mug.= The mug or tankard shown in the engraving is of Nanconian
or Nuremberg stone-ware, with figures of the twelve apostles enamelled
in colours upon it. (Fig. 34.) APOSTLE SPOONS are well known to have
received their names from the figures of the Apostles forming the
handles.
=Apostyls Coats=, O. E. Probably garments used for mystery plays.
=Apotheca=, Gr. and R. (ἀποθήκη, a granary). A store-room or magazine
for containing any kind of stock. The Romans also applied the term
specially to a wine store-room situated in the upper part of the house;
this was sometimes called the _fumarium_. Here the wine was placed in
amphoræ to ripen it more quickly, whereas when stored in the _cella
vinaria_, it was placed in CUPÆ and DOLIA (q.v.).
=Apotheosis=, Gr. (ἀπὸ, θεὸς god, to deify). A deification; the ceremony
by which a mortal was introduced among the number of the gods. The
proper term in Latin is _consecratio_ (q.v.). The funeral pile, in such
cases, was built several stories in height, and an eagle was let loose
from the top storey, to carry the soul of the emperor from earth to
heaven. This is commemorated upon the medals struck on the occasion,
which represent an altar with a fire on it, from which an eagle ascends.
=Apparel=, Chr. Embroidered additions to the vestments of the clergy.
=Appaumée=, Her. Said of a _hand_, open, erect, and showing the palm.
=Appianum=, Lat. Appian green, a pigment used by the ancients, prepared
from green earth, now known as _Cyprus_ or _Verona green_, because the
best is found at those places.
=Apple.= The emblem in classical art of victory, and in Christian art of
the fall of man.
=Appliqué=, Fr. Applied ornament, as of metal or porcelain upon wood. In
embroidery, Appliqué work is used, when a pattern cut out of one colour
or stuff is applied, or laid on, to another.
[Illustration: Fig. 35. Apse of St. William in the Desert, a monastery
in the South of France.—Built about A. D. 820.]
=Apse=, =Apsis=, or =Chevet= (ἁψὶς, bow or vault). The termination of a
church. It is generally of semicircular form, and surmounted by a
demicupola, but there are instances of rectangular apses. Fig. 35
represents the apse of St. William in the Desert. (See ABSIS.)
=Apsis gradata=, Chr. The chair occupied by bishops in the early
Christian basilicas.
=Apteral=, Arch. Without wings. A temple without columns on the sides.
=Aqua fortis= (nitric acid). Used by engravers and etchers for biting-in
on copper and steel.
=Aqua marina.= A transparent green stone, frequently used by the gem
engravers of antiquity.
=Aquæmanalis.= (See AQUIMINARIUM.)
=Aquamanile=, Chr. The basin used for washing the hands of the celebrant
in the liturgy. A. of great splendour are frequently mentioned in the
ancient records. The corresponding ewer was called URCEUS.
=Aqua-tint.= A method of engraving with the help of mastic. (_Consult_
Fielding’s “Art of Engraving.”)
[Illustration: Fig. 36. Pont-du-Gard, a Roman aqueduct near Nismes.
(_Restored_)]
=Aqueduct=, Gen. (_aqua_, water, and _duco_, to lead). An artificial
canal for conveying water from one point to another, and often to a
considerable distance from the source. Many ancient nations have
executed works of this description, but the Roman aqueducts are
especially celebrated. The most perfect is that which still exists, in a
ruined state, over the river Gard, near Nismes in the South of France,
called _Pont-du-Gard_. (Fig. 36.) Aqueducts were often discharged into
reservoirs.
=Aquilæ=, R. The eagles, or ensigns, of the Roman legion under the
Empire. They were of silver or bronze, and had the wings outstretched.
As an architectural term _aquila_ denotes the triangular face formed by
the tympanum of a pediment, because the latter was often ornamented with
an eagle. (See ENSIGN.)
=Aquiminarium=, R. An ewer for pouring water over the hands of the
guests after a banquet. Other terms for this ewer were _aquæmanalis_ and
_aquimanale_.
=Ara=, R. The Latin term for ALTAR. (See this word and ALTARE.)
=Arab Pottery.= (See GARGOULETTE.)
=Arabesque=, Gen. An ornament of a pattern more or less intricate,
composed of stems, foliage, leaves, fruits, scrolls, or leafage, as well
as of curious and fantastic animals. It is an error to suppose that
arabesque, as its name might seem to indicate, was an Arab invention; it
was known to the Greeks and Romans, and was largely employed in
Græco-Roman architecture.
=Aræostylé=, Arch. An order of temples, in which the space between the
columns is four diameters in width.
=Arbalest.= (See CROSS-BOW.)
=Arca=, R. (_arceo_, to enclose, preserve). (1) A kind of box or strong
chest used by the ancients as a receptacle for money, clothes, or any
valuable effects. (2) A strong box or money chest; (3) a rough chest
used for a coffin; (4) a cage for criminals, made of oak; (5) a wooden
caisson, answering the purpose of a modern coffer-dam.
=Arcade.= A series of arches.
=Arcadi.= A Literary Academy established at Rome in 1690. The members
adopted pastoral names. Their device was a Pandæan pipe, surrounded by a
wreath of olive and pine.
=Arcatures=, Arch. A series of blind arcades represented on a wall, in
relief or painting. Carved arcatures are those forming a kind of screen;
they are detached from the wall, and have an inner and outer face.
=Arcera=, R. A cart boarded all over so as to resemble a huge chest
(_arca_). The inmate reclined on cushions and pillows covered with
drapery; and the exterior was covered with hangings, the richness of
which varied with the rank and fortune of the owner.
=Arch= (_arcus_, a bow). A structure the form of which is based on the
segment of a circle. The kinds of arches are named according to the
curve which they make. _Round-headed arches_; semicircular, segmental or
stilted, introduced by the Romans. _Triangular arches_, of very early
date. _Horse-shoe arches_; the Moorish, the common horse-shoe and the
pointed (which is also a Moorish form). Then the _trefoil arch_ of the
Early English style: with its variations, including the square-headed
trefoil of the 13th century. The _lancet_ or acute-pointed; the
_equilateral_; the _pointed trefoil_; the _ogee_, of the 14th and 15th
century; the _Tudor_ arch, of the reigns of Henry VII. and VIII.; and
the decorative forms, not used in construction; the _flamboyant_, the
_cinquefoil_ and the _multifoil_ are all described under the headings
printed above in _Italics_.
=Archaic= (art). The first period of Art is distinguished by stiffness
and conventionality of treatment, directed much more to the symbolic
representation of an idea than to beauty or true imitation. It is
properly called also the _hieratic_ type, from its intimate relation to
religious symbolism. See SELINUNTIAN; ÆGINETAN MARBLES.
=Archangels.= The seven angels of the Christian hierarchy who stand in
the presence of God. _St. Michael_, sometimes in complete armour, bears
a sword and scales, as the Angel of Judgment, also a rod with a cross;
_St. Raphael_ bears a fish, and a pilgrim’s staff and gourd; _St.
Gabriel_ bears a lily; _Uriel_ carries a parchment roll and a book, as
the interpreter of prophecies; _Chamuel_ bears a cup and a staff;
_Zophiel_ a flaming sword; and _Zadchiel_ the sacrificial knife which he
took from Abraham. The Archangels are generally represented with the
nimbus, and clothed as princes and warriors; their ensign is a banner
and cross, and they are armed with a sword and a dart in one hand.
=Arched= or =Archy=, Her. Bent or bowed.
=Arched-buttress= or =Flying Buttress=, Arch. An incomplete arch
supporting the spandrels of a roof. It springs from a BUTTRESS (q.v.).
=Archeria=, Med. Lat. A vertical loophole from which arrows could be
discharged.
=Archibault.= (See ARCHIVOLT.)
=Architrave=, Gr. and R. (ἀρχὸς, chief; and Ital. _trave_, a beam). That
part of a structure which rests immediately on the capital of a column
or pilaster. Architraves are surmounted by a frieze and a cornice.
=Archivium=, Gr. and R. A building in which archives (charters and
records) of a city or state were deposited. It was also called ARCHEION
or TABULARIUM (q.v.).
=Archivolt= or =Archibault=, (_arcus_, and _volutus_, rolled round). The
whole of the mouldings decorating an arch or arcade, and following the
contour of the same.
=Archlute=, old Eng. A kind of _theorbo_, or double-necked lute. 16th
century.
=Archy.= (See ARCHED.)
=Arcosolium=, Chr. (_arcus_, and _solium_, a coffin). An arched or
vaulted sepulchral chamber in the catacombs, sanctified by the interment
of martyrs and holy persons; and in later generations often richly
decorated, as with marble incrustations, paintings, and mosaics. The
_arcosolia_ in which Christians of small means were buried are
constructed in the walls of the passages in the catacombs. The wealthier
Christians, however, had _arcosolia_ specially excavated for their
family and friends; the following inscription is frequently found on
them: _Nobis et nostris et amicis_.
=Arcuatio=, R. A structure formed by means of arches or arcades, and
employed to support a construction of any kind, such as a bridge,
aqueducts, &c.
=Arcubalista=, R. (βάλλω, to throw). A machine for hurling arrows,
somewhat similar to a cross-bow.
=Arcubus.= (See ARQUEBUS.)
=Arcula=, R. Diminutive of ARCA (q.v.). (1) A small chest. (2) A
colour-box used by encaustic painters. (3) A small sepulchre, or stone
coffin.
=Arculum=, R. A garland which the _Dialis_ (Priest of Jupiter) wore on
his head while sacrificing; it consisted of one or two pomegranate
boughs bent into a circle and fastened with fillets of white or red
wool.
=Arcuma=, R. A small carriage constructed to hold only one person. (See
PLAUSTRUM, CHIRAMAXIUM, VEHICULUM.)
=Arcus=, R. (1) A bow for discharging arrows. There were many kinds in
use among the ancients. Those of the Greeks and Romans presented on the
whole much analogy with each other, while the Scythian bow differed
entirely from both. (2) An arch of masonry; the _arcus triumphalis_ was
a triumphal arch. The Romans never used any other form of arch than the
semicircle.
=Ardenti.= Literary Academies of this name existed at Pisa, at Naples,
and at Viterbo.
=Area=, R. (1) Any broad, open and level space, and so a square or
parade. _Areæ_ were adorned with fountains and statues set up in honour
of some divinity, who frequently gave his name to the spot. Thus at Rome
there were the _area Apollinis_, _area Mercurii_, &c. (2) A
threshing-floor in a field.
=Arena=, R. (1) Sand; a material employed in building. (2) The level
space forming the area of an amphitheatre.
=Arenaria=, R. A Roman game of ball for two persons; it derived its name
from the fact that the ball was made to rebound from the ground
(_arena_).
=Areste.= A cloth of gold, elaborately figured, used for vestments. 13th
century. It is not to be confounded with _arras_.
[Illustration: Fig. 37. Arezzo vase.]
=Arezzo Vase.= Many fine examples of old Etruscan pottery have been
found in or near the town of Arezzo in Tuscany. They are of red lustred
ware ornamented in relief, and show evident traces of Greek origin.
(Fig. 37.)
=Argei=, R. (1) Certain sites at Rome, having a small temple attached to
them. (2) Images or lay-figures made of bulrushes, which were cast into
the Tiber, on the Ides of May, from the Sublician bridge. This custom is
still kept up in the south of France, where, in certain towns, on
Ash-Wednesday, they drown an image called _Caramentran_ who represents
the god of the carnival.
=Argent=, Her. The metal silver, represented in engravings by a plain
white.
[Illustration: Fig. 38. Point d’Argentan.]
=Argentan, Point d’.= Lace made much in the same way as Point d’Alençon,
but having the flowers bolder and larger in pattern and in higher
relief; the foundation, called the bride-ground, is also coarser. It
takes its name from the little town of Argentan in Normandy, where it
was made. (Fig. 38.)
[Illustration: Fig. 39. Argentella lace.]
=Argentella.= A name given to a lace made in Genoa, but worked much like
Point d’Alençon.
=Argive.= A school of sculpture, contemporary with the ATTIC SCHOOL of
Pheidias; of which Polycletus was the head. He was the author of the
_Canon_, or law of proportion in sculpture, exemplified in his
_Doryphorus_ (spear-bearer); he worked principally in bronze, and was
famous for his chryselephantine statues. A specimen of the Argive school
of sculpture is the _Discobolus_ of Myron (a contemporary of Polycletus)
in the British Museum. It is an ancient copy in marble from the original
bronze statue. Closeness to Nature is a distinguishing characteristic of
the Argive School.
[Illustration: Fig. 40. Battering-ram.]
=Aries= or =Ram=. A battering-ram. It consisted of a stout beam,
furnished at one end with an iron head, shaped like that of a ram, and
was used to batter the walls of a city till a breach was effected. The
battering-ram was at first worked by men, who simply carried it in their
arms, but in course of time it was suspended from a wooden tower (Fig.
40), or a vertical beam, and worked with the aid of ropes. When the
battering-ram was enclosed in a kind of wooden shed bearing some
resemblance to the shell of a tortoise, it was called by the name of
that animal (_testudo_) (Fig. 41).
[Illustration: Fig. 41. Battering-ram in _testudo_.]
=Ark=, Chr. A symbol of the church.
=Armanahuasi=, Peruv. The baths of the ancient Peruvians. They were
remarkable for the elegance and luxury displayed in their ornamentation.
They were furnished with magnificent fountains, some of which threw
their jets upwards (_huraea_), others in a horizontal direction
(_paccha_).
=Armarium=, R. A cabinet, cupboard, or bookcase. Originally a place for
keeping arms. Some were ornamented with plates of brass set in links of
gold; others were made of gold inlaid with precious stones of various
shapes. (See also ALMERY.)
=Armatura=, R. (1) In a general sense, armour of every kind. Thus
_armatura levis_ denoted the light infantry; and soldiers armed only
with a _hasta_, and the dart, _gæsa_ (of Gallic invention) were called
_leves milites_. (2) The art of fencing. (3) The pieces of iron or
bronze which connect stones or the parts of a structure. (4) The iron
framework in a window or casement.
=Armed=, Her. Having natural weapons of offence, &c. A lion is _armed_
of his claws and teeth, a bull of his horns, &c.
=Armenian Green.= (See CHRYSOCOLLA.)
=Armet=, Old Eng. A kind of helmet of the 16th century, worn with or
without the _beaver_.
=Armilausa=, Lat. A classical garment adopted in England and elsewhere,
worn by knights over their armour. Strutt describes it as “a round
curtal weed, which they called a cloak, and in Latin _armilausa_, as
only covering the shoulders.”
[Illustration: Fig. 42. Armilla. Celtic Bracelet.]
[Illustration: Fig. 43. Armilla. Gaulish Bracelet.]
=Armilla.= In general, any circlet of gold or silver which forms a
bracelet for men or women, whether worn on the wrist, arm, or ankle.
Bracelets worn by men often consisted of three or four massive bands of
bronze, silver, or gold, and thus covered a considerable portion of the
arm. Bracelets were worn by the Assyrians, the Babylonians, the Medes,
the Persians, the Celts (Fig. 42), and the Gauls (Fig. 43). The
Egyptians in some instances employed ivory and porcelain in their
manufacture.
=Armillum=, R. A kind of _urceolus_, or small pitcher for holding a
particular kind of wine. It was among the number of the sacrificial
vessels, and was well known from the Latin proverb: _Anus ad armillum_
(an old woman returns to her bottle).
=Armilustrium.= A Roman festival for the purification of arms.
=Arming Points.= The “points” or ties of armour.
=Armins.= Cloth or velvet coverings for pikehandles.
=Armory=, Her. (1) Heraldry. (2) A list of names and titles with the
arms belonging to them.
[Illustration: Fig. 44. Primitive Roman Armour.]
=Armour=, =Arms=. In almost every deposit where _prehistoric_ remains
are buried, we find clubs, hatchets, arrows, hammers, or other arms,
mostly, even in the _stone age_, carefully ornamented. The ancient
_Egyptians_ were armed with “the bow, spear, two species of javelin,
sling, a short and straight sword, dagger, knife, falchion, axe or
hatchet, battle-axe, pole-axe, mace or club, &c. Their defensive arms
consisted of a helmet of plate, or quilted head-piece, a cuirass, or
coat of armour made of metal plates, or quilted with metal bands, and an
ample shield” (_Wilkinson_). Among the Greeks, the heavy-armed warrior
wore the greaves, cuirass, with the mitra underneath, and the zone or
cingulum above; his sword, ensis or gladius, hung on his left side, and
the large round shield, sacus, aspis, clipeus or scutum, hung from his
shoulder; his helmet, corys, cunea, cassis or galea; his spear, enkus,
doru or hasta, or two spears. The defensive armour, the shield and
thorax, were called hopla, and the man hoplites. The light-armed,
psiloi, anoploi, gymnai, gymnetai, had a slighter covering of skins, or
cloth, and fought with darts, stones, bows and arrows or slings. There
were also the peltastæ, so called from their small shield pelte. All the
above-mentioned parts of classical armour, and their modifications in
that of mediæval times are described under their respective headings; as
well as much of mediæval armour.
=Arnis=, Gr. and R. An expiatory festival held in honour of Linus and
his mother Psamathê, the daughter of Crotopus, king of Argos. Various
legends are extant regarding the origin of this festival, which was
called _Arnis_ from the sheep (ἀρνειὸς) that were sacrificed.
=Arotoi-Hieroi=, Gr. Literally: _sacred labours_, a term used to denote
three agricultural festivals which took place in Attica; the first was
held in commemoration of the first sowing; the second, on occasion of
reaping the earliest crop of barley in a field near Eleusis; the third,
by way of invoking the blessings of Ceres on the field of corn specially
set apart for the worship of Athena.
=Arquebus.= A hand-gun, larger than a musket. The man using it was
called an _arquebusier_.
=Arra= or =Arrha=, R. A deposit, or earnest-money to a contract.
=Arras.= Tapestry. Textile hangings for walls; first made at Arras in
the 14th century. It was originally called Opus Saracenicum.
=Arrhæ Sponsalitiæ=, called also ARRABO, was the name of the betrothal
money paid to the parents of a bride; a practice of the Hebrews,
continued by Christians.
=Arrhephoria=, Gr. (Ἀρρηφόρια). A festival held at Athens in the month
of June or _Scirophorium_. The maidens who took part in it were called
ἑροηφόροι or ἑροηφόροι. Four little girls and a priestess carried some
sacred vessels to a grotto.
=Arricciate=, Ital. One of the coats of mortar laid on to a wall to
receive fresco-painting.
=Arrondie=, Her. Curved, round.
=Arrows=, in Christian art, are the emblems of pestilence, death, and
destruction.
=Arsenicon=, Greek for _orpiment_ (q.v.).
=Artemisia=, Gr. A general term to denote all the festivals of _Diana
Artemis_. The most celebrated were those held at Ephesus, Delphi, and
Syracuse.
=Articulation.= The anatomical study of the juncture of the bones.
=Artolaganus=, R. (ἀρτο-λάγανον, i. e. bread-cake). A kind of dough-cake
made with wine, milk, oil, and pepper. Cicero, in one of his letters,
asserts that it was delicious.
=Artophorium= (bread-bearer), Chr. Another name for the ciborium or
costly box prepared to contain the consecrated Host.
=Artopta=, Gr. and R. (from ἀρτάω, to bake). A mould in which bread and
pastry were baked.
=Artopticius=, R. (sc. _parús_). A roll or loaf of bread baked in an
_artopta_, many examples of which may be seen in the small museum at
Pompeii; owing to their having become hardened, these loaves have
retained their shape perfectly when taken from the oven after eighteen
centuries.
[Illustration: Fig. 45. Arundel device.]
=Arundel Device.= A chapeau _or_, and _gules_, surmounted by a fret
_or_, and an acorn leaved _vert_. This is only one of the numerous
badges of the house of Arundel, which is peculiarly rich in armorial
bearings.
=Arundel Marbles.= A collection of ancient sculptures found in Greece
and Asia Minor in the early part of the 17th century and brought to
England at the expense of Thomas Howard, Earl of Arundel. In 1667 his
grandson presented them to the University of Oxford.
=Arundo=, R. A term with various significations. (1) A reed or cane. (2)
An arrow or bow made of cane. (3) A fishing-rod. (4) A cane rod tipped
with bird-lime for catching birds. (5) A reed pen for writing. (6) A
Pan’s pipe in which the reeds were joined together by wax; whence its
name _arundo cerata_. (See CALAMUS.)
=Arx=, R. (_arceo_, to enclose). A citadel or fortress. _Arx_ is almost
equivalent to ACROPOLIS (q.v.), since citadels were usually built on
elevated sites, thus forming an upper city (ἀκρόπολις).
[Illustration: Fig. 46. Greek Aryballos.]
=Aryballos.= A Greek flask or vase used for oil or wine. It was commonly
of a bladder shape with a thin neck. The example engraved (Fig. 46) is
painted in the Asiatic style. On some of these vases the ornament is
engraved.
=Arystichos=, Gr. and R. (from ἀρύω, to draw water). A vessel for
drawing water, especially from the AMPHORA (q.v.). It was also called
_ephebos_ (ἔφηβος), because, at banquets, it was the duty of youths to
mix the wine with water before handing it to the guests. This term has
as synonyms _aruter_, _arusane_, _arustis_ and _oinerusis_.
=Arzica.= (1) An artificial pigment of a yellow colour, used for
miniature painting. (2) A yellow lake made from the herb “reseda
luteola.” (3) A yellow earth for painting, of which the moulds for
casting brass are formed; it yields an ochreous pigment of a pale yellow
colour, which, when burned, changes to an orange colour.
=Arzicon.= A contraction of _Arsenicon_, for _orpiment_ (q.v.).
=As=, R. The unit of value in the bronze currency of the Romans.
Originally the _as_ weighed one pound, whence its name _as liberalis_;
and as it was composed of a mixture of copper and tin (_æs_), it was
also called _æs grave_. At a later period the _as_ had much declined in
value; under Augustus it was only worth somewhat less than a penny.
=Asaminthos=, Gr. (ἀσάμινθος). A large vase of the Homeric epoch, large
enough to admit of a person bathing in it. It is supposed that this was
the _tub_ of Diogenes.
=Asbestus.= (See AMIANTUS.)
=Ascendant=, Her. Issuing upwards, as a flower.
=Ascia=, Gr. and R. A term applied to instruments of various shapes and
employed for different purposes, but all bearing a general resemblance
to a carpenter’s adze. The expression _sub ascia dedicavit_, which is
frequently found engraved on tombs together with the representation of
an _ascia_, has given rise to numerous interpretations. It is supposed
that this expression signified: This tomb [never before used] has been
dedicated to the memory of the person in whose honour it was erected; or
possibly the formula implied that the plot upon which the memorial stood
had been granted in perpetuity. After all the discussion to which the
formula has given rise, these are the two hypotheses most generally
accepted. (See ACISCULUS.)
=Ascopera=, Gr. and R. (ἀσκὸς, leathern bag or wine-skin; πήρα, a
pouch). A large bag made of undressed leather, carried as knapsack by
foot-travellers, and thus distinguished from the HIPPOPERA (q.v.).
=Ascolia=, =Ascolias=, Gr. and R. (from ἀσκὸς, a wine-skin). An Athenian
game which consisted in leaping upon a wine-skin, filled with wine and
greased over with oil, during the festivals in honour of Dionysus.
=Ashlar=, =Achelor=, &c.; also ASTLER or ESTLAR, O. E. Hewn stone for
the facings of walls. “Clene hewen Ashler.”
=Asilla=, R. A yoke, like a milkman’s, or the Malay _picol_, for
carrying burdens; is a common object in Egyptian and all other ancient
representations of domestic appliances.
=Asinarii.= A term of reproach inherited by the early Christians from
the Jews, who were accused of worshipping an ass.
=Askos=, Gr. and R. (ἀσκός). A vessel, originally shaped like a leather
bottle (_uter_) for holding water or wine. It was furnished with a
handle at the top, and had sometimes two mouths, one of which served to
fill, the other to empty it. Later on, the _askos_ assumed the form of
an earthenware pitcher.
=Asor=, Heb. A musical instrument of ten strings played with the
plectrum.
=Asp.= In Egyptian art the emblem of royalty; in Christian art, under
the feet of saints, of conquered malice.
=Aspectant=, Her. Looking at one another.
=Asperges=, =Aspergillum=, Chr. The rod for sprinkling holy water.
=Aspersed=, Her. Scattered over,—the same as Semée.
=Aspersorium=, Chr. The stoup, or holy water basin.
=Asphaltum.= A brown carbonaceous pigment used in painting. It is found
in various parts of the world, more particularly in Egypt, China,
Naples, and Trinidad. The best is the Egyptian. (See BITUMEN, MUMMY.)
=Aspic.= (See OIL OF SPIKE.)
=Ass=, Chr. An emblem of patience and sobriety; but also of idleness and
obstinacy; sometimes of the Jewish nation.
=Ass, Festival of the.= A grotesque Christian festival of the Middle
Ages, connected with the prominence of the ass in religious history.
=Asser=, R. (1) A beam, pole, or joist. (2) The rafters of a wooden
roof. (3) _Asser falcatus_ was a kind of ram which was launched, with
the aid of machinery, by the garrison of a fortified town, against the
enemy’s siege works.
=Assett=, O. E. A salver.
=Assommoir=, Fr. A sort of gallery built over a door or passage of a
fortified place, from which stones, lead, and other heavy objects could
be hurled down to _overwhelm_ (_assommer_) the besiegers. Hence the
name.
=Asterisk=, Chr. Sometimes called STELLULA. A kind of crossed framework
made of gold or silver, consisting of two arched bands which are
sometimes surmounted, at the point of intersection, by a cross. The
asterisk is placed upon the patera for the purpose of keeping up the
cloth which covers the consecrated wafers of the host.
=Astler.= (See ASHLAR.)
=Astragal= (ἀστράγαλος, knuckle-bone). A small semicircular moulding, so
called from its resemblance to a row of knuckle-bones placed side by
side. As it is decorated with beads, or berries of laurel or olive,
separated by discs, it is now commonly known as a _chaplet_. Astragals
are placed at the top of a column, beneath the capital, and divide the
architrave into two or three parts. They are also used to decorate any
kind of base. (See TORUS.)
=Astragalus=, R. The ancient game of knuckle-bones; a common subject in
classical sculpture, called also TALI.
=Astreated=, Arch. Star-shaped ornaments, used in Norman mouldings.
=Asylum=, Gr. and R. (ἄ-συλον, safe from violence). A place of refuge,
to which was attached the privilege of inviolability called _asulia_.
This privilege belonged to certain temples, woods, or other sacred
enclosures. There were a considerable number of such retreats in Greece
and the Greek colonies.
=At Gaze=, Her. Said of animals of the chase “standing still and looking
about them.”
=Atach-gah=, Pers. The fire-altar of the ancient Persians; mentioned in
the writings of Pausanias and Strabo.
=Atellanæ= (sc. _fabulæ_), R. A farce, so called from its having
originated in _Atella_, a city of the Osci, in Campania. Hence the name
of Oscan games (_ludi Osci_). _Atellanæ_ were played by youths of good
family, on the conclusion of a tragedy. They were introduced into Rome
in the fourth century B.C. These farces were distinguished by their
refinement, and freedom from low buffoonery.
=Athenæum.= A university for literary and scientific studies at Rome, on
the Capitoline Hill.
=Athyr=, Egyp. One of the months of the ancient Egyptians. It was the
third of the four months called the months of inundation.
[Illustration: Fig. 47. One of the Atlantes of the Theatre of Bacchus at
Athens.]
=Atlantes=, Gr. and R. (from τλῆναι). Human figures so called, in
allusion to the story of the Titan Atlas, which were employed instead of
columns to support entablatures (Fig. 47). The Latin equivalent for the
term is TELAMONES. Similar _female_ figures were CARYATIDES.
[Illustration: Fig. 48. Atlas, a device used by Philip II. of Spain.]
=Atlas.= One of the several devices adopted by Philip II. of Spain was a
figure of Hercules bearing on his shoulders and kneeling beneath, the
weight of the world; a feat recorded to have been performed by him in
order to give relief to Atlas from his customary burden. The motto “Ut
quiescat Atlas,” is written on a ribbon.
=Atramentale=, =Atramentarium=, Gr. and R. (_atramentum_, q.v.). An
inkstand, of any shape or material whatsoever. Inkstands were made of
terra-cotta, bronze, and silver. There is a Pompeian painting in which a
_double_ inkstand is represented, one side of which contains black ink,
the other an ink of some different colour. There were also portable
inkstands called _theca_. (See THECA.)
=Atramentum=, Gr. and R. (_ater_, black). A general term to denote any
kind of black liquid; such were _atramentum scriptorum_, _atramentum
librarium_, or simply _atramentum_—all terms for writing ink;
_atramentum sutorum_, the black used by shoemakers for dyeing their
leather, another name for which was _chalcamentum_ (q.v.); and
_atramentum tectorium_, a kind of ink used for writing inscriptions with
a brush. In ancient times, all descriptions of ink were made with soot
and gum, forming a kind of Indian ink which was diluted with water.
Vitruvius (Book VII.) thus describes the process by which _atramentum_
was obtained: “Soot is first procured by burning rosin in a vaulted
chamber, and the black (_atramentum_) thus obtained is then mixed with
gum.”
=Atriolum=, R. (dimin. of _Atrium_). (1) A small atrium. It might be
either a smaller atrium adjoining the principal one in a house, or the
atrium of a dwelling of inferior size. (2) A small antechamber forming
the entrance of a tomb.
[Illustration: Fig. 49. Atrium, with Ionic columns.]
=Atrium=, R. and Mod. A term perhaps derived from _Atria_, a city of
Tuscany in which structures of this description were first built. It
consisted of a kind of covered court (_cavædium_), round which were
grouped the different apartments of the house. In the centre of the roof
was an aperture with sloping sides called the _compluvium_, and in the
court beneath, a basin which collected the rain-water from the roof.
This was called the _impluvium_. There were besides, the _atrium
displuviatum_ and the _atrium testudinatum_. The atrium was
unquestionably the most essential and the most interesting part of a
Roman mansion; it was here that numbers assembled daily to pay their
respects to their patron, to consult the legislator, to attract the
notice of the statesman, or to derive importance in the eyes of the
public from an apparent intimacy with a man in power.—_Moule._
[Illustration: Fig. 50. Atrium, with Doric columns.]
During the Middle Ages the term _atrium_ was used to denote the open
plot of ground surrounding a church, which served for a cemetery, and
the close or courtyard of certain churches.
=Attegia=, R. A hut or cabin made of reeds, and covered with thatch.
=Attic-order=, Arch. An arrangement of low pilasters, surmounting a
building.
[Illustration: Fig. 51. Atticurge doorway at Agrigentum.]
=Atticurge=, Arch. (Ἀττικουργὴς, wrought in Attic fashion). A doorway,
the uprights of which, instead of being perpendicular, inclined slightly
inwards, so that the opening was wider at the threshold than immediately
under the lintel. Fig. 51 represents the doorway of an ancient monument
at Agrigentum, in Sicily.
=Attires=, =Attired=, Her. The antlers of a stag or “hart” having
antlers.
=Attributes.= Conventional symbols of the character, or the agency, or
the history, of subjects of art representation.
=Auditorium=, R. (a place for hearing). A lecture-room, assembly-room,
court of justice, or generally any place in which orators, poets. &c.,
were heard. The BASILICÆ contained halls so named, in which courts of
justice were held.
=Augmentation=, Her. An honourable addition to a coat of arms.
=Augurale=, R. (_augur_, a soothsayer). In a Roman camp the _augurale_
was a place situated to the right of the general’s tent or PRÆTORIUM
(q.v.). It was so called because the augurs there took their station to
observe the flight of birds. In Greece, the _oracles_ were consulted;
but in Rome questions were addressed to Jupiter, who answered simply
“_Do_” or “_Do not_,” by his messengers the birds. They gave no
prophecies.
=Augustine’s Oak=, at Aust on the Severn; the scene of the conference
between St. Augustine and the British bishops, A. D. 602.
=Aula=, Gr. and R. (αὐλή). (1) An open court attached to a house. It was
usually in front, and on either side of it were the stables and offices.
When it belonged to a farm it was round this courtyard that the
stabling, sheepfolds, and other outhouses were arranged. (2) _Aula
regia_ was the central part of the scene in a Greek or Roman theatre.
=Aulæa= or =Aulæum=, R. (_aula_, a hall). (1) Hangings or tapestry used
to decorate the dining-room or _triclinium_, or generally, any piece of
tapestry used as a curtain, whether to cover a doorway, act as a screen,
or hide the stage in a theatre. (2) The covering of a sofa or
dining-couch, also called, from the way in which it hung all round it,
_peristroma_ (περίστρωμα). Aulæa is almost synonymous with VELUM (q.v.).
[Illustration: Fig. 52. Aulmonière.]
=Aulmonière.= The Norman name for the pouch, bag, or purse appended to
the girdle of noble persons, and derived from the same root as “alms”
and “almoner.” It was more or less ornamented and hung from long laces
of silk or gold; it was sometimes called Alner. (Fig. 52.) (See
ALLOUYÈRE.)
I will give thee an _alner_
Made of silk and gold clear.
(_Lay of Sir Launfal._)
=Aulos=, Gr. The Greeks gave this name to all wind instruments of the
_flute_, or _oboe_, kind; it was not blown at the side like a flute, but
by a vibrating reed in the mouthpiece, like a clarionet. The single
flute was called _monaulos_, and the double one _diaulos_.
=Aumbrie=, =Aumery=, =Almery=, O. E. A cupboard or closet.
=Aumery of Here=, O. E. A cupboard with hair-cloth sides for
ventilation. A meat-safe.
=Aureola=, Chr. (_aurum_, gold). A quadrangular, circular, or elliptic
halo surrounding the bodies of Christ, the Virgin, or certain saints.
Another name for this ornament is the _mystical almond_ or VESICA PISCIS
(q.v.). When it envelopes the head only it is called the NIMBUS.
=Aureole.= (See AUREOLA.)
=Aureus=, R. (sc. nummus, golden). The unit of value for gold currency
under the Roman emperors, worth about a guinea.
=Auripetrum.= A cheap imitation of gold leaf; made of tinfoil coloured
with saffron.
=Auspicium=, R. (_aves aspicio_). Divination from observation of the
flight of birds. (_Auspicium ex avibus_, _signa ex avibus_.) There was
also the _auspicium cœleste_ or _signa ex cœlo_, of which the most
important was a flash of lightning from a clear sky. Besides these there
were the _auspicia pullaria_, or auspices taken from the sacred
chickens; the _auspicia pedestria_, _caduca_, &c. (See AUGURALE.)
=Authepsa=, Gr. and R. (αὐθέψης). Literally a _self-boiler_; it was a
sort of kettle or cauldron, which was exposed to the rays of the sun, to
heat the water within it; whether, however, the ancients had attained
the art of raising water to boiling heat, in this manner, it is
impossible to say. The apparatus is mentioned by Cicero and Lampridius,
but neither of them gives any description of it.
=Avellane.= A variety of the heraldic cross. (See CROSSES.)
=Avena=, R. (oats). A Pandæan pipe, made of the stalk of the wild oat.
=Aventail=, Fr. (_avant taille_). The movable front of a helmet.
=Aventurine.= A kind of brown glass, mixed with bright copper filings,
formerly made at Venice.
=Averta=, R. A trunk, bag, or portmanteau, carried on the crupper by
travellers who rode on horseback.
=Aviarium=, R. (_avis_, a bird). (1) A poultry-yard. (2) An aviary in
which birds—and more particularly those of rare breeds—were kept.
=Axis=, R. (1) The axle-tree of a carriage. (2) _Axis versatilis_ was a
cylinder worked by a crank, and used for drawing water from a well by
means of a cord which rolled round it as it revolved. (3) The upright
pivot upon which a door turned. It worked in two sockets, placed
respectively in the upper and lower lintels.
=Azarcon.= The Spanish name for red lead.
=Azure.= A blue colour known from the very earliest times. Azure stone
was the name given to the lapis lazuli. The name is given also to
COBALT. In heraldry it is the name for the blues in the arms of persons
whose rank is below that of a baron; it is represented in heraldic
engraving by regular horizontal lines.
=Azyme=, Chr. Unleavened bread.
B.
=Baccalarii=, Med. Lat. A contraction of bas-chevaliers: poor knights;
distinct from knights bannerets, who were also termed rich knights.
=Baccelleria=, Med. Lat. The order of bachelors. Thus we read,
“La flor de France et la bachelerie.”
Bachelor or Bachelier has been derived from _bas échelle_, the lowest
step of the ladder. (_Meyrick._)
=Baccha=, Gr. and R. A Bacchante; a woman who celebrates the mysteries
of Bacchus, in the temples of the god, or in the Bacchic orgies. In the
numerous representations of Bacchantes which occur on monuments of
ancient art, they carry the _thyrsus_ in their right hands, and wear a
wreath of ivy or vine-leaves on their heads. They appear also in the
disguise of Lenæ, Thyades, Naiads, Nymphs, &c.
=Bacchanalia=, R. (Greek, _Dionysia_). Festivals held in honour of
Dionysus or Bacchus.
=Bacchos=, Gr. and R. A short, richly ornamented _thyrsus_, carried by
the Mystæ, at Eleusis, on occasion of their being initiated in the
mysteries. There was a proverb in Greece which said: “Many carry the
_Bacchos_, but few are inspired by the gods.”
=Bacillum= (dimin. of BACULUM, q.v.). A small wand, especially the
lictor’s wand.
=Backgammon=, originally called _table board_, is mentioned in a MS. of
the 13th century. The name of _bag-gamon_ is first found in 1646.
=Baculum=, =Baculus=, R. A general term to denote any kind of staff,
except such as form the insignia of any rank or office, or are employed
in certain professions.
[Illustration: Fig. 54. Badge of King Henry V. in his chantry in
Westminster Abbey.]
[Illustration: Fig. 53. Planta genista, or broom.]
=Badges.= Small heraldic shields, worn by servants and others, showing,
in embroidered cloth or silver, a figure or device; common also “in the
furniture of houses, on robes of state, on the caparisons of horses, on
seals, and in the details of Gothic edifices.” (_Lower_, “_Curiosities
of Heraldry_.”) Fig. 54 from the cornice of King Henry’s chantry in
Westminster Abbey shows the adaptation of heraldic badges in
architectural ornament. (The description is inserted under BLAZON, q.v.)
The Badges worn by the military followers of the feudal leaders answered
the purpose of our modern uniforms. Among remarkable badges are the
“Bear and ragged staff” of the Earls of Warwick, the red and white roses
of Lancaster and York, the sprig of broom (Fig. 53) of the Plantagenets.
=Badgers.= Brushes of badger’s hair, for blending or softening. (See
BLENDING.)
=Bagordare=, Med. It. A burlesque tournament in which the combatants
were attended by fools instead of heralds and esquires.
=Bagpipe.= This ancient and favourite instrument of the Celtic races is
represented in an O. E. MS. of the 14th century. Several of the Hebrew
instruments mentioned in the Bible and in the Talmud were kinds of
bagpipes. So was a Greek instrument called “Magadis.” In Russia and
Poland, and in the Ukraine, it used to be made of a whole goat’s skin,
and was called “Kosa,” a goat. It is of high antiquity in Ireland, and a
pig playing the bagpipe is represented in an illuminated Irish MS. of A.
D. 1300.
=Baijoire.= (1) A medal or coin on the obverse or reverse of which were
two faces in profile, placed one over the other. (2) An ancient silver
coin of Genoa, and an ancient Dutch gold coin. The term is certainly
derived from an old word Baisoire [_baiser_, to kiss].
=Bai-Kriem=, Hindoo. Literally, roasted rice; a stone employed in some
of the monuments of the ancient Cambodia. (See BIEN-HOA.)
=Bailey.= (See BALLIUM.)
=Bainbergs= (Germ. _Bein-bergen_). Shin-guards or modern greaves.
=Baisoire.= (See BAIJOIRE.)
=Balance= or =Scales=. In Christian symbolism the balance symbolizes the
Last Judgment. The Scales and Sword are also, generally, the attribute
of personified Justice.
=Balandrana.= A large cloak, of the 12th and 13th centuries.
=Balayn=, O. E. Whalebone for crests of helmets.
=Baldachin=, It. A canopy of wood, stone, or metal over seats and other
places of honour, common also over fireplaces and beds, and carried in
coronation and other processions over the most honoured persons.
=Baldric=, =Baudrier=, or =Baudrick=, O. E. A girdle or sash, usually a
belt of leather, and worn over the shoulder. They were sometimes hung
with bells. (See BALTEUS.)
=Balea=, =Balia=, Med. Lat. (from βάλλω, to throw). (1) A sling. (2) A
_ballista_. From their skill in the use of slings, the inhabitants of
Majorca, Minorca, and Ivica had the appellation Baleares.
=Bales=, O. E. (Lat. _balascus_; Fr. _balais_). An inferior kind of
ruby.
=Baleyn.= (See BALAYN.)
=Balista.= (See BALLISTA.)
=Balista a pectore=, Med. Lat. A hand cross-bow.
=Balistrariæ=, Med. Lat., Arch. Cruciform openings in the wall of a
fortress to shoot quarrels through from cross-bows.
=Balletys= or =Tuptai=, Gr. A ceremony consisting in a mock combat with
stones, which took place at the Eleusinian festival.
[Illustration: Fig. 55. Ball-flower.]
=Ball-flower.= An ornament characteristic of the Decorated style of the
14th century. It represents the “knop” of a flower. _Ball-flowers_ may
be seen in the Cathedrals of Bristol, Gloucester, and Hereford.
=Ballista= or =Balista=, Gr. and R. (βάλλω, to throw). A military engine
for hurling large missiles. It was constructed of wood, and consisted of
two uprights connected horizontally by a double cross-beam. Strands of
twisted fibre formed the motive power of the engine, which was fitted
with an iron groove. The cord was drawn back by men, with the aid of a
drum or pulleys. The ancient balista was used to shoot _stones_; the
catapult to project _heavy darts_. Some balistæ threw stones weighing
three cwt. The mediæval balistæ threw _quarrels_ or stones.
=Ballistarium= or =Balistarium=, Gr. and R. A shed or magazine in which
_ballistæ_ were kept.
=Ballium=, Med. Lat. (1) (from Ital. _battaglia_). The _Bailey_ or
courtyard of a castle. (2) The bulwark which contained such a Bailey.
=Balneæ= or =Balineæ=. (See BALNEUM.)
=Balnearia=, R. A general term for all the utensils used in a bath, such
as strigils, _unguentaria_, _guttæ_, oils, perfumes, essences, &c.
[Illustration: Fig. 56. Balneæ. The Caldarium.]
=Balneum=, =Balneæ=, =Thermæ=, Gr. and R. _Balneum_ meant originally a
tub or other vessel to bathe in; next, the room in which it was placed;
when there were many such rooms the plural _balnea_ was used. _Balneæ_
were the public baths, under the Republic, when they consisted of
ordinary baths of hot and cold water. _Thermæ_ were the magnificent and
luxurious buildings adapted for the hot air system. They contained (1)
the _Apodyterium_, or dressing-room; (2) the _Frigidarium_, where the
cold bath was taken; (3) the _Tepidarium_, a bath of warm air; (4) the
_Caldarium_, with a vapour bath at one end, a warm water bath at the
other, and a _Sudatorium_, or sweating bath in the middle. The pavement,
called _suspensura_, was over a furnace, _hypocaustum_. The bathers were
currycombed with _strigils_, which the Greeks called _stlengis_ or
_xystra_; and they dropped oil over their bodies from narrow-necked
vessels called _guttus_ or _ampullæ_. The _Thermæ_ contained _exedræ_,
or open air chambers, where philosophers lectured, and libraries, and
had gardens, and shady walks, and fountains, with statuary attached to
them. The ruins of the _Thermæ_ built by Titus, Caracalla, and Domitian
remain visible (Fig. 56).
=Balon=, =Balein=, =Balayn=, O. E. Whalebone.
=Balsam of Copaiba.= An oleo-resin, used as a _varnish_, and as a
vehicle, for oil painting.
=Balteolus.= Dimin. of BALTEUS (q.v.).
=Balteus= or =Balteum= (a belt), R. (1) A baldric or wide belt which
passed over one shoulder and beneath the other, for the purpose of
suspending a sword, buckler, or any other arm. (2) The ornament on the
baldric on which was marked the number of the legion to which a soldier
belonged. (3) A richly ornamented band of leather placed round a horse’s
breast, below the MONILE, or throat-band (q.v.). (4) The broad belt in
the sphere, which contains the signs of the Zodiac. (5) The bands
surrounding the volutes of an Ionic capital. (6) The _præcinctiones_, or
small walls, or parapets, separating the different tiers in a theatre or
amphitheatre. (Generally a BELT.)
=Baltheus=, Med. Lat. for BALTEUS.
=Baluster.= A small pillar, swelling in the centre or towards the base.
[Illustration: Fig. 57. Balustrade.]
=Balustrade=, Arch. An enclosure or parapet composed of ballisters
(q.v.), and by analogy, an enclosure consisting of any other ornament,
such as trefoils, carved work, &c. Fig. 57 represents a balustrade of
the pointed Gothic style.
=Bambino=, It. A babe. Image of the infant Christ.
=Bambocciata=, It. The style of genre painting of Teniers, Van Ostade,
Wilkie, and others. It was introduced into Rome in 1626 by Peter Van
Laar, who was called, from an unfortunate deformity that he had, Il
Bamboccio, or the Cripple.
=Banded=, Her. Encircled with a band.
=Banderolle.= (1) A small flag, about a yard square, upon which arms
were emblazoned, displayed at important funerals. (2) In architecture of
the Renaissance, a flat scroll, inscribed.
[Illustration: Fig. 58. Falling-Band.]
=Bands.= Originally the name given to the collars which (in the 17th
century) replaced the ruff of Elizabeth’s reign. At first they were made
of stitched linen or cambric edged with lace, stiffened so as to stand
up round the neck. Contemporary with these were the falling bands. The
engraving (by Hollar, 1640) shows a merchant’s wife with collar or
falling band of cambric edged with lace. The term bandbox has descended
to us from those days, when similar boxes were made expressly for
keeping bands and ruffs in. (Fig. 58.)
=Bands=, Arch., are either small strings round shafts, or a horizontal
line of square, round, or other panels used to ornament towers, spires,
and other works. (See BALTEUS.)
=Bandum=, =Banderia=, Med. Lat. A small banner. The French poets called
it “_ban_,” a word probably of Celtic origin, signifying “exalted.”
(_Meyrick._)
=Bankard=, O. E. (Fr. _banquier_). A carpet or cloth covering for a
table, form, or bench.
[Illustration: Fig. 59. The Royal Standard, or Banner.]
=Banner.= In heraldry, a square, or narrow oblong flag, larger than the
pennon (q.v.), charged with the coat of arms of the owner displayed over
its entire surface, precisely as it is blazoned on a shield, as in the
illustration of the Royal Standard, which should properly be styled the
Royal _Banner_. (See STANDARD.) The Union Jack is also a banner, in
which the blazonry of the two nations of England and Scotland are
combined, not by “quartering,” but by an earlier process of “blending”
the cross and the saltire in a single composition. The profusion of
banners at tournaments, in feudal times, when each noble planted his own
in the lists, was an element of picturesque effect. The term applies to
all kinds of flags, or colours, proper to individuals, or corporations,
&c., who display them. It does not appear that _military_ banners were
used by the ancients. The banners used in Roman Catholic countries bear
the representation of patron saints, or symbols of religious mysteries.
=Banner-cloth=, Chr. A processional flag.
=Banneret.= A knight entitled to display a banner.
=Baphium=, Gr. and R. (βάπτω, to dye). A dyer’s workshop.
[Illustration: Fig. 60. Baptistery of St. Jean, Poitiers.]
[Illustration: Fig. 61. Baptistery of St. Constance, Rome.]
=Baptisterium=, R. (from βάπτω, to dip). A kind of cold plunging-bath,
constructed in the FRIGIDARIUM (q.v.), or the room itself. In Christian
archæology, _baptistery_ was the name given to a building adjoining a
basilica, or situated near it, in which baptism was administered. Such
is the baptistery of St. John Lateran at Rome. One of the most ancient
baptisteries in France is that of St. Jean, at Poitiers, represented in
Fig. 60. It dates from the fourth century; that of St. Constance, at
Rome (Figs. 61, 62), belongs to the same period.
[Illustration: Fig. 62. Interior of the Baptistery of St. Constance.]
=Bar=, Her. A horizontal line across a shield.
=Barathron= or =Orugma=, Gr. (βάραθρον). A deep cleft behind the
Acropolis at Athens, into which criminals were thrown, either under
sentence of death by this means, or after they had been put to death by
hemlock or other poisons. It was situated near the temple of Diana
Aristobulê.
=Barba=, Gen. The beard, whence the attributive _barbatus_, frequently
employed to denote one who wears a beard. Thus _bene barbatus_, a man
with a well-trimmed beard; _barbatulus_, a young man whose youthful
beard had never been touched with the razor. Among many nations of
antiquity the custom prevailed of curling the beard artificially, so as
to obtain long curls or ringlets, _cincinni_. (See CINCINNUS.) The
Assyrians, Egyptians, Jews, Persians, Greeks, and Romans may be
particularly enumerated. Shaving the beard was introduced into Rome
about B.C. 300, and became the regular practice. In the later times of
the republic many persons began to wear it trimmed, and the terms _bene
barbati_ and _barbatuli_ were applied to them. Under Hadrian the
practice of wearing beards was revived, and the emperors until
Constantine wore them. The Romans let the beard grow as a sign of
mourning; the Greeks shaved. The beard is an attribute of the prophets,
apostles, and evangelists (excepting St. John); and, in ancient art, of
Jupiter, Serapis, Neptune, &c. Neptune has a straight beard; Jupiter a
curly silky one. The early Britons shaved generally, but always had long
moustachios. The Anglo-Saxon beard was neatly trimmed or parted into
double locks. The Normans originally shaved clean, but when settled in
England let all their beard grow. Close shaving prevailed among the
young men in England in the 14th century; older men wore a forked beard.
After sundry changes, clean shaving obtained in the reign of Henry VI.,
and the beard was rarely cultivated from then until the middle of the
16th century. The most extravagant fashions arose in Elizabeth’s reign,
and were succeeded by variations too numerous to detail.
=Barbatina=, It. A preparation of clay mixed with the shavings of
woollen cloth, used in the manufacture of pottery to attach the handles
and other moulded ornaments. (_Fortnum._)
=Barbed=, Her. Pointed, as an arrow.
[Illustration: Fig. 63. Barbican.]
=Barbican=, Mod. (1) A long narrow opening made in a wall, especially in
a foundation wall, to let the water flow away. (2) The term also denotes
an outwork placed in front of a fortified castle or any other military
post. In the latter acceptation the term ANTEMURAL (q.v.) is also used.
The illustration is taken from the arms of Antoine de Burgundy. In this
instance the barbican is a small double tower, or out-post watch-house,
and the shutter-like pent-house protection of the unglazed window
openings bears a striking resemblance to a modern sun-blind.
=Barbitos=, Gr. and R. (βάρβιτος). A stringed instrument which dates
from a very high antiquity; it was much larger than the CITHARA (q.v.).
To strike the long thick strings of the _barbitos_, a PLECTRUM (q.v.)
was used instead of the fingers. The invention of this instrument is
attributed to Terpander; Horace, on the contrary, says it was invented
by Alcæus, and Athenæus by Anacreon. It was a kind of lyre with a large
body.
=Barbotine=, Fr. A primitive method of decorating coarse pottery with
clays laid on it in relief. (_Jacquemart._)
=Barca.= A boat for pleasure, or for transport. It was also a long-boat.
(See BARI.)
=Barde=, =Barred=, Her. In horizontal stripes.
=Barded=, Her. Having horse-trappings, or—
=Bardings=, which were often enriched with armorial blazonry.
=Bardocucullus=, R. and Gaul. (_bardus_ and _cucullus_, i. e. monk’s
hood). A garment with sleeves and hood worn by the poorer classes among
the Gauls. It bore some resemblance to the Roman PÆNULA (q.v.).
=Barge-board=, or =Verge board=, is the external gable-board of a house;
which is often elaborately ornamented with carvings.
=Bari= or =Baris=, Gr. and Egyp. (βᾶρις). A shallow Egyptian boat, used
on the Nile to transport merchandise, and in funeral processions. The
Egyptian sacred barks, with which they formed processions on the Nile,
were made of costly woods, and ornamented with plates of gold or silver,
and carried a miniature temple (_naos_), which contained the image of a
divinity. The prow and the poop were ornamented with religious symbols
of the richest workmanship.
[Illustration: Fig. 64. Barnacles or Breys.]
=Barnacles= or =Breys=. An instrument used in breaking horses.
=Baron=, in heraldic language, signifies a husband. The rank of Baron in
the peerage corresponds with that of the Saxon Thane; it is the lowest.
=Baronet=. An hereditary rank instituted by James I. in 1612.
=Baron’s Coronet=, first granted by Charles II., has, on a golden
circlet, six large pearls; of which four are shown in representations.
=Baroque.= In bad taste, florid and incongruous ornamentation. The same
as _rococo_.
=Barrulet=, Her. The diminutive of a BAR (q.v.).
[Illustration: Fig. 66. Barry of six.]
=Barry=, Her. Divided into an even number of bars, which all lie in the
same plane.
=Barry-Bendy=, Her. Having the field divided by lines drawn _bar-wise_,
which are crossed by others drawn _bend-wise_.
[Illustration: Fig. 67. Bartizan.]
=Bartizan=, =Watch-turret=, Arch. A small watch-tower made to project
from the top of a tower or a curtain-wall, generally at the angles.
City-gates were in some instances furnished with bartizans. Originally
they were of wood, but from the 11th century they were made of masonry,
and so formed part of the structure on which they rested; they were, in
fact, turrets. (Fig. 67.) (Compare BARBICAN.)
[Illustration: Fig. 68. Bar-wise.]
=Bar-wise=, Her. Disposed after the manner of a BAR (q.v.).
=Barytes.= A heavy spar, or sulphate, the _white_ varieties of which are
ground and made into paint (_constant_ or _Hume’s white_). Mixed with an
equal quantity of _white lead_, it produces _Venice white_, and with
half as much “_Hamburg_,” or with one-third _“Dutch” white_.
=Basalt= is a very hard stone, much like lava in appearance, and black
or green in colour, used for statuary. The principal specimens are
Egyptian and Grecian.
=Basanos=, Gr. (1) (Lat. _lapis Lydius_) The touchstone; a dark-coloured
stone on which gold leaves a peculiar mark. Hence (2) trial by torture.
(3) A military engine, the form of which is not exactly known.
=Bascauda=, R. A basket, introduced from Britain as a table utensil,
considered as an object of luxury. It was the old Welsh “basgawd,” and
served to hold bread or fruits.
=Bascinet.= A light helmet, round or conical, with a pointed apex, and
fitting close to the head, mentioned in the 13th century.
=Bascule=, O. E. (1) The counterpoise to a drawbridge. (2) A kind of
trap-door. (A badge of the Herbert family.)
[Illustration: Fig. 69. Ionic Base.]
=Base=, Arch. The lower part of a pillar, wall, &c.; the division of a
column on which the shaft is placed. The Grecian Doric order has no
base.
=Base.= Her. The lowest extremity.
=Baselard=, Fr. An ornamental short dagger, worn at the girdle; 15th
century. With such a weapon the Lord Mayor of London “transfixit Jack
Straw in gutture.” The weapon is preserved by the Fishmongers’ Company.
=Bases.= A kind of embroidered mantle, which hung down from the middle
to about the knees, or lower; worn by knights on horseback. (_Narcs._)
=Basileia=, Gr. (βασίλεια). A festival instituted in honour of Jupiter
_Basileus_. It was in commemoration of the victory which the Bœotians
had won at Leuctra, and in which success had been promised them by the
oracle of
[Illustration: Fig. 70. Basilica at Pompeii (restored).]
[Illustration: Fig. 71. Ground-plan of a Basilica.]
=Basilica= (sc. aula), Gr. and R. (βασιλικὴ, sc. στοὰ, i. e. royal
hall). This term owes its original meaning to the fact that in Macedonia
the kings, and in Greece the archon Basileus dispensed justice in
buildings of this description. The Romans, who adopted the basilica from
the above-named countries, used it as a court of justice, but besides
this it became a branch of the forum, and even when it did not form a
part of the latter was constructed near it, as was the case at Pompeii.
Fig. 71 represents the ground-plan of this basilica, and Fig. 70 a view
of the same building restored. The ground-plan of the basilica is
rectangular, the width not more than half nor less than a third of the
length. It was divided by two single rows of columns into three naves,
or aisles, and the tribunal of the judge was at one end of the centre
aisle. In the centre of the tribunal was the _curule chair_ of the
prætor, and seats for the judices and advocates. Over each of the side
aisles there was a gallery, from which shorter columns supported the
roofs; these were connected by a parapet wall or balustrade. The central
nave was open to the air. Under Constantine the basilicæ were adopted
for Christian churches. The early Norman churches were built upon the
same plan, and the circular apsis, where the judges originally sat, used
for the central altar, was the origin of the apsidal termination of the
Gothic cathedrals. The first basilica was built at Rome, B.C. 182. In
the Middle Ages structures resembling small churches erected over tombs
were called Basilica.
=Basilidian Gems.= (See ABRAXAS.)
=Basilinda=, Gr. and R. (βασιλίνδα). Literally, the game of the king; it
was often played by Greek and Roman children. The king was appointed by
lot, the rest being his subjects, and bound to obey him, during the
game.
[Illustration: Fig. 72. Basilisk.]
=Basilisk.= A fabulous animal, having the body of a cock, beak and claws
of brass, and a triple serpent tail. The emblem of the Spirit of Evil.
In heraldry, a cockatrice having its tail ending in a dragon’s head.
=Basilium=, Gr. (βασίλειον). A royal diadem, of a very tall form, of
Egyptian origin. Isis-Fortuna is often represented wearing the
_basilium_ on her head.
=Basinet.= (See BASCINET.)
=Basons= for ecclesiastical ceremonies, for collecting alms or for
holding the sacramental vessels, were a favourite subject for the
goldsmith’s art. Some beautifully enamelled basons of the 13th century
represent subjects of hawking and hunting, &c.
=Bas-relief=, =Basso-relievo=, sculptured figures projecting less than
half of their true proportions; =Mezzo-relievo= projecting exactly half;
=Alto-relievo= more than half, from the ground upon which they are
carved.
=Bassara= or =Bassaris=, Gr. (a fox, or fox-skin). A long tunic of
Lydian origin worn by the Mænads of Lydia and Thrace, who were often
called, from this circumstance, _Bassaræ_ and _Bassarides_.
=Basterna=, R. A closed litter appropriated especially to the use of
ladies, as the _Anthologia Latina_ says: “The gilded basterna conceals
the chaste matrons.” It was carried by two mules harnessed in shafts,
one in front and one behind; the LECTICA (q.v.), on the contrary, was
carried by men. During the Middle Ages the same form of litter was a
common means of conveyance in England.
[Illustration: Fig. 73. Ground-plan of the Bastile.]
=Bastile=, Arch. An outwork placed so as to defend the approach to a
castle or fortified place. A famous Bastile which had been converted
into a state prison was that of Paris, destroyed in 1789. Fig. 73 shows
the ground-plan of it. The diminutive of this term is Bastillon, which
has been changed into _Bastion_.
=Bastion=, Mod. A projecting polygonal buttress on a fortification. The
anterior portions of a bastion are the _faces_; the lateral portions,
the _flanks_; the space comprised between the two flanks, the _gorge_;
and the part of the fortification connecting two bastions together, the
_curtain_.
=Bastisonus=, Med. Lat. A bastion or bulwark.
=Batagion= or =Batagium=. (See PATAGIUM.)
[Illustration: Fig. 74. Naval and Military Badge of the “Bath.”]
[Illustration: Fig. 75. Civil Badge of the “Bath.”]
=Bath, Order of the=, numbers 985 members, including the Sovereign; viz.
_First Class_: Knights Grand Cross—G.C.B.—50 Naval and Military and 25
Civil Knights. _Second Class_: Knights Commanders—K.C.B.—120 Naval and
Military and 50 Civil. _Third Class_: Companions—C.B.—525 Naval and
Military and 200 Civil.
=Batiaca= or =Batioca=, Gr. and R. A vase of a very costly description,
used as a drinking-vessel.
=Batière=, Fr., Arch. (See SADDLE-ROOF.) A roof is said to be “_en
batière_” when it is in the form of a pack-saddle; that is, when it has
only two slopes or eaves, the two other sides being gables.
=Batillum= or =Vatillum=, R. (1) A hand-shovel used for burning scented
herbs to fumigate. (2) Any kind of small shovel.
=Baton.= In heraldry, a diminutive of the BEND SINISTER couped at its
extremities.
=Baton.= The military baton, or staff, was of Greek origin. (See
SCYTALE.)
=Batter=, Arch. Said of walls that slope inwards from the base. Walls of
wharfs and of fortifications generally _batter_.
=Battle-axe= is one of the most ancient of weapons. The _pole-axe_ is
distinguished by a spike on the back of the axe. (See BIPENNIS.)
[Illustration: Fig. 76. Embattled.]
=Battled=, =Embattled=, Her. Having battlements.
[Illustration: Fig. 77. Battlement.]
=Battlement=, =Embattailment=, =Bateling=, O. E. (Fr. _Créneau, Merlet,
Bretesse_). A parapet in fortifications, consisting of a series of
rising parts, called MERLONS or COPS, separated by spaces called
CRENELS, EMBRASURES, or LOOPS.
=Batuz.= Norman French for _battus_, beaten with hammered up gold; said
of silken stuffs so adorned.
=Baucalia= or =Baucalis=, Gr. and R. (βαυκάλιον, βαύκαλις). A
drinking-vessel, which varied in shape and material.
=Baucens=, =Bauceant=, Med. A black and white banner used in the 13th
century. (_Meyrick._)
=Baudekyn=, O. E. A fabric of silk and gold thread.
=Baudekyn= (Lat. _Baldakinus_). Cloth of gold, brocade: “pannus omnium
ditissimus.”
=Baudrick= or =Baldrock=, O. E., of a church bell. The strap by which
the clapper is hung in the crown of the bell.
=Baukides=, Gr. (βαυκίδες). A kind of shoe worn by women; it was of a
saffron colour. This elegantly-shaped shoe was highly esteemed by
courtezans, who often placed cork soles inside their _baukides_, to make
themselves appear taller.
=Baxa= or =Baxea=, Gr. Sandals made of textile plants, such as the palm,
rush, willow, papyrus, and a kind of alfa. They were worn by comic
actors on the stage.
=Bay=, Arch. (Fr. _Travée_). A principal compartment or division in a
structure, marked off by buttresses or pilasters on the walls, or by the
disposition of the vaulting, the main arches, &c. The French word _baie_
means an opening made in a wall for a door or window.
=Bayeux Tapestry.= A roll of unbleached linen worked in coloured worsted
with illustrations of the Norman Conquest (about A. D. 1068); preserved
in the public library at Bayeux. A full-sized copy may be seen in the
South Kensington Museum.
=Bayle=, Arch. The open space contained between the first and second
walls of a fortified castle. These buildings often had two bayles; in
this case, the second was contained between the inner wall and the
donjon.
=Bayonet.= A weapon, so called after the town of Bayonne in France,
where it was invented about A. D. 1650.
=Bay-stall=, Arch. The stall or seat in the bay (of a window).
=Beads=, Arch. An architectural ornament of mouldings consisting of
small round carved beads, called also Astragal. Another name for this
ornament is Paternosters.
=Beaker= (Fr. _cornet_). A trumpet-shaped vase, or drinking-cup.
[Illustration: Fig. 78. Moulding with Beak-heads and Tooth-ornament.]
=Beak-heads= (Fr. _becs d’oiseau_), Mod. An ornament peculiar to English
architecture, representing heads and beaks of birds. The ancient
Peruvians used the same ornament in their architecture, as shown in Fig.
79, taken from the decoration of the monolithic door of Tianuaco.
[Illustration: Fig. 79. Peruvian ornament (Beak-heads).]
=Bear.= Dancing bears are represented in Anglo-Saxon MSS.
=Beards.= (See _barba_.)
=Beaver.= The movable face-guard of a helmet.
=Beds.= Anglo-Saxon beds usually consisted merely of a sack (_sæccing_)
filled with straw, and laid on a bench or board, which was ordinarily in
a recess at the side of the room, as we still see in Scotland. The word
_bedstead_ means only “a place for a bed.” _Tester beds_, or beds with a
roof, were introduced by the Normans. Early in the 13th century beds
were covered much as now, with ‘quilte,’ counterpane, bolster, sheets,
and coverlet; and stood behind curtains which hung from the ceiling. In
the 15th century the beds became much more ornamental, having canopy and
curtains, and these, as well as the _tester_ or back, decorated with
heraldic, religious, or other devices. At the sides were _costers_, or
ornamental cloths. Between the curtains and the wall a space was left
called the _ruelle_, or little street.
=Beech Black.= A blue-black vegetable pigment.
=Bees=, in Christian art, are an attribute of St. Ambrose.
=Belfry= (Fr. _Beffroi_). The campanile or bell-tower of a church.
Frequently detached from the church, as at Chichester Cathedral. (See
BELL-GABLE.)
=Bell.= An attribute of St. Anthony, referring to his power of
exorcising evil spirits. In heraldry, the bell is drawn and blazoned as
a church bell.
=Bell-cot=, Arch. A BELL-GABLE (q.v.).
[Illustration: Fig. 80. Belled.]
=Belled=, Her. Having bells attached, like the cows in the device of the
city of Béarn. (Fig. 80.)
=Bell-gable=, Arch. A turret raised over the west end of small churches
and chapels that have no towers to hang a bell in. This is distinct from
the smaller turret at the east end of the nave for the SANCTUS BELL
(q.v.).
=Bellicrepa=, Med. Lat. A military dance, of Italian origin.
=Bellows= were called in A.S. _bælg_ or _blastbælg_. A MS. of the 14th
century represents a man blowing at a three-legged caldron with a
perfectly modern-looking pair of bellows. Bellows, in Christian art, are
an attribute of Ste. Geneviève.
=Bell-ring=, Mod. The ring in the CROWN of a bell from which the clapper
hangs.
=Bells= on the caparisons of horses were common in the Middle Ages. A
passage in the romance of Richard Cœur de Lion describes a messenger
“with five hundred belles rygande.” Chaucer’s monk has also bells on his
horse’s “bridel” which “gyngle as lowde as doth the chapel belle.”
=Belt=, Chr. A girdle used to confine the alb at the waist.
=Belt of Beads=, Chr. A rosary was sometimes so called.
=Belvidere=, It. A prospect tower over a building.
=Bema=, Gr. (1) A stone platform or hustings, used as a pulpit in early
Christian churches. (2) The term is synonymous with sanctuary. (3) It
also serves to denote an ambo and a bishop’s chair. (See AMBO.) The
Athenian _bema_ was a stone platform from which orators spoke at the
assemblies (_ecclesiæ_) in the Pnyx.
=Bembix=, Gr. and R. (Lat. _Turbo_). (1) A child’s whipping-top. (2) The
whorl of a spindle.
=Benches=, for seats, are represented in the 14th century formed by
laying a plank upon two trestles.
[Illustration: Fig. 81. Bend. _Arms of Le Scrope._]
=Bend=, Her. One of the Ordinaries. It crosses the field diagonally,
from the dexter chief to the sinister base, as in Fig. 81, the arms of
Richard Le Scrope: _Azure, a bend or_.
=Bendideia=, Gr. (Βενδίδεια). A festival held in the Piræeus in honour
of the goddess _Bendis_ (the Thracian name of Artemis or Diana).
=Bendlet=, Her. The diminutive of Bend.
=Bend-wise=, or =In bend=, Her. Arranged _in the direction of a_ bend.
[Illustration: Fig. 82. Bendy.]
=Bendy=, Her. Parted bend-wise into an even number of divisions.
=Benna=, Gaul. and R. This term, borrowed either from the Welsh or the
Gauls, denoted among the Romans a four-wheeled cart or carriage made of
wicker-work. A _benna_ may be seen on the bas-reliefs of the column of
Marcus Aurelius.
=Bennoŭ=, Egyp. A mythical bird resembling the phœnix, which sprang from
its own ashes, and was made the emblem of the resurrection. It
symbolized the return of Osiris to the light, and was therefore
consecrated to that god.
=Benzoin.= A gum-resin used as an ingredient in _spirit varnishes_.
[Illustration: Fig. 83. Berlin porcelain jug.]
=Berlin Porcelain.= The manufactory was first founded in 1750, under
Frederick the Great. Fig. 83 is a specimen of Berlin hard porcelain.
=Beryl.= A gem of an iridescent green colour.
=Bes=, R. (_bi_, twice, and _as_). A fraction of value equivalent to
two-thirds of an _as_.
=Besa=, Gr. and R. A drinking-vessel, also called _bessa_ and _bession_.
It was wider at the bottom than at the top, and in shape much resembled
the BOMBYLOS (q.v.).
=Bessa= (Fr. _beysse ferrée_), Med. An instrument like a pickaxe or
mattock used by the pioneers of an army; 15th century. (_Meyrick._)
=Bession.= (See BESA.)
=Bestions=, Arch. This term is applied by Philibert Delorme to the
fantastic animals which occur in sculptures of the decorative or florid
period of architecture.
=Beten=, O. E. Embroidered with fancy subjects.
“A coronall on her hedd sett,
Her clothes with beasts and birdes were _bete_.”
=Beveled=, Arch. Having a sloped surface. (See SPLAY.)
=Bever.= A Norman word for “taking a drink” between breakfast and
dinner; elsewhere called “a myd-diner under-mete.”
[Illustration: Fig. 84. Bezant.]
=Bezant=, Her. A golden “roundle” or disk, flat like a coin.
=Biacca=, It. White carbonate of lead; a pigment.
=Biblia=, Med. Lat. A war engine for attack.
=Bibliotheca=, Gr. and R. (βιβλίον, book, and θήκη, case). Primarily the
place where books were kept, and hence used for the collection of books
or MSS. itself. The most celebrated library of antiquity was that
founded by the Ptolemies at Alexandria, destroyed by the Arabs, A. D.
640.
=Bibliothecula=, Gr. and R. (dimin. of _bibliotheca_). A small library.
=Bice.= The name of certain very ancient blue and green pigments, known
also as _Mountain_ (or _Saunders’_) _blue_, and _Mountain green_, and by
other names. (See CARBONATES OF COPPER.)
=Biclinium=, Gr. and R. A couch or sofa on which two persons could
recline at table.
=Bicos=, Gr. (See BIKOS.)
=Bidens=, R. (_dens_, a tooth). Literally, with two teeth, forks, or
blades. The term was applied to a hoe, a pair of scissors, and an anchor
(_ancora bidens_). A two-forked weapon of the same name occurs in some
representations of Pluto.
=Bidental=, R. (_bidens_). A structure consecrated by the augurs or
haruspices, through the sacrifice of an animal. This was generally a
sheep of two years old, whence the name _bidens_ applied to the victim.
The _bidental_ was often an altar surrounded with a peristyle, as may be
seen from the remains of one of them at Pompeii. A _bidental_ was set up
in any place which had been struck by lightning. A cippus or _puteal_
placed on the exact spot which had been struck bore the inscription:
_Fulmen_ or _fulgur conditum_.
=Bien-hoa= or =Ben-hoa=, Hind. A kind of stone employed by the Khmers or
ancient inhabitants of Camboja for their sculpture; they also called it
_baï-kriem_ (roasted rice), which it exactly resembles. Its deep yellow
colour recalls in a striking degree that of old white marbles which have
been long exposed to the sun and air in warm countries.
[Illustration: Fig. 85. Bifrons.]
=Bifrons=, R. (_frons_, a forehead). Having two fronts or faces.
Libraries and picture galleries generally contained statuary of heads or
busts coupled together back to back, but especially of Janus, emblematic
of his knowledge both of the past and the future. The illustration
represents a Greek vase, in imitation of the statuary described.
=Biga=, R. (_bi_ and _juga_, double-yoked). A car drawn by two horses.
_Bigæ_ also denoted, like _bijugus_ or _bijugis_, two horses harnessed
together. [The Greeks called this method “Synoris.”]
=Bigatus=, R. (sc. _nummus_). A silver denarius (one of the earliest
Roman coins) which had a BIGA on the reverse. Other denarii were
_quadrigati_, having a _four-horse chariot_ on the reverse.
=Biggon=, O. E. “A kind of quoif formerly worn by men;” hence
“Béguines,” the nuns at the Béguinage at Ghent, who still wear the
_biggon_.
=Bikos=, Gr. and R. A large earthenware vase adapted to hold dry
provisions, such as figs, plums, &c.
=Bilanx=, R. (double-dish). A balance with two scales. (See LIBRA.)
=Bilbo.= A light rapier invented at Bilboa.
=Bilix=, R. (double-thread). A texture like “twill,” or “dimity,” made
by a double set of leashes (_licia_).
[Illustration: Fig. 86. Bill-head.]
=Bill=, O. E. A weapon made of a long staff with a broad curved blade, a
short pike at the back, and a pike at the top, used by infantry of the
14th and 15th centuries. (Fig. 86.)
=Billet=, Her. A small oblong figure.
=Billet=, Arch. A moulding of the Roman epoch, consisting of short rods
separated from each other by a space equal to their own length. Some
billets are arranged in several rows.
=Bilychnis=, Gr. and R. A double lamp with two beaks and two wicks, so
as to give out two separate flames.
=Binio=, R. A gold coin current at Rome. It was worth two _aurei_ or
fifty silver _denarii_. (See AUREUS.)
=Bipalium=, R. A spade, furnished with a cross-bar, by pressing the foot
on which the instrument could be pushed into the ground. Representations
of this tool occur pretty frequently on tombs.
[Illustration: Fig. 87. Bipennis.]
=Bipennis= or =Bipenne=, Gen. (_penna_, a wing). An axe with a double
blade or edge, used as an agricultural implement, an adze, or a military
weapon. The Greeks, who called it βουπλὴξ, never made use of it. It was
used especially by barbarous nations, such as the Amazons, Scythians,
Gauls, &c. Fig. 87 represents a Gaulish _bipennis_ taken from one of the
bas-reliefs on the triumphal arch at Orange.
=Bird=, in Egyptian hieroglyphics, signified the soul of man, and in
Christian art had _originally_ a similar meaning afterwards forgotten.
=Bird-bolt.= A short thick arrow, with a blunt head, about the breadth
of a shilling.
=Biremis=, R. (_remus_, an oar). A pair-oared boat, or a vessel having
two banks of oars.
[Illustration: Fig. 88. Biretta. (Portrait of a Rector of Padua.)]
=Biretta=, It. A cap. In its restricted meaning the term is applied to
that worn by priests and academical persons. The illustration shows the
state costume of the Rector of the University of Padua, who wears a
sacerdotal biretta.
=Birotus= and =Birota=, R. (_rota_, a wheel). Anything having two
wheels, and so a two-wheeled carriage, car, or chariot.
=Birrus= and =Byrrus=, R. A russet-coloured capote with a hood. It was
made of a coarse cloth (_bure_) with a long nap. Such was, at first, the
meaning of the term, but in course of time _birri_ of a fine quality
were made.
=Bisaccium= (It. _bisacce_). Saddle-bags of coarse sacking.
=Biscuit=, Fr. A kind of porcelain, unglazed. The finest is the so
called Parian porcelain.
=Bisellium=, R. (_sella_, a seat). A seat of honour or state chair,
reserved for persons of note, or who had done service to the state.
There was room on the seat for two persons.
=Bishop’s Length.= Technical name for a portrait-canvas of 58 inches by
94 inches.
=Bismuth.= The pigment, called pearl white, which is the sub-nitrate of
this metal, is very susceptible to the action of sulphurous vapours,
which turn it black.
=Bisomus=, Chr. A sarcophagus with two compartments; that is, capable of
holding two dead bodies. (See SARCOPHAGUS.)
=Bistre.= A warm brown water-colour-pigment, made of the soot of
beech-wood, water, and gum. It is the mediæval fuligo and fuligine.
=Biting-in.= The action of aqua fortis upon copper or steel in
engraving.
=Bitumen.= This pigment _should_ be genuine _Asphaltum_, diluted and
ground up with drying oil or varnish. It dries quickly. There is a
substance _sold as bitumen_ which will not dry at all. (See ASPHALTUM.)
=Bivium=, R. (_via_, a way). A street or road branching out into two
different directions; at the corner there was almost always a fountain.
=Bizarre=, Fr. Fantastic, capricious of kind.
=Black= is the resultant of the combination in unequal proportions of
blue, red, and yellow.
=Black=, in Christian art, expressed the earth; darkness, mourning,
wickedness, negation, death; and was appropriate to the Prince of
Darkness. White and black together signify purity of life, and mourning
or humiliation; hence adopted by the Dominicans and Carmelites. In
blazonry, black, called sable, signifies prudence, wisdom, and constancy
in adversity and love, and is represented by horizontal and
perpendicular lines crossing each other.
=Black Pigments= are very numerous, of different degrees of
transparency, and of various hues, in which either red or blue
predominates, producing brown blacks or blue blacks. The most important
are _beech black_, or _vegetable blue black_; _bone black_, or _Paris
black_, called also _ivory black_; _Cassel_ or _Cologne black_, _cork
black_, _Frankfort black_, and _lamp-black_. (See ASPHALTUM.)
=Blades=, Arch. The principal rafters of a roof.
=Blasted=, Her. Leafless, withered.
=Blautai=, Gr. (Lat. _soleæ_). A richly-made shoe; a kind of sandal worn
by men.
=Blazon=, Her. Armorial compositions. To blazon is to describe or to
represent them in an heraldic manner. The representation is called
Blazonry. For example, the _blazoning_ of the BADGES on the cornice of
King Henry’s chantry in Westminster Abbey is as follows:—On the dexter,
a white antelope, ducally collared, chained, and armed _or_; and on the
sinister a swan gorged with a crown and chain. The beacon or cresset
_or_, inflamed proper. (See Fig. 54.)
=Blending.= Passing over painting with a soft brush of badger’s hair
made for the purpose, by which the pigments are fused together and the
painting softened.
=Blindman’s Buff.= Called “hoodman-blind,” _temp._ Elizabeth.
=Blind-story=, Arch. The TRIFORIUM in a church. Opposed to the CLEAR or
CLERESTORY (q.v.).
=Blocking-course=, Arch. The last course in a wall, especially of a
parapet. The surface is made slightly convex to allow of water flowing
off more easily.
=Blodbendes= (O. E. for blood-bands). Narrow strips of linen to bind
round the arm after bleeding.
=Blodius=, O. E. Sky-blue.
=Bloom.= The clouded appearance which varnish sometimes takes upon the
surface of a picture.
=Blue.= One of the three primary colours, the complementary to orange.
Blue, in Christian art, or the sapphire, expressed heaven, the
firmament, truth, constancy, fidelity. Its symbolism as the dress worn
by the Virgin Mary is of _modesty_. In blazonry it signifies chastity,
loyalty, fidelity, and good reputation. Engravers represent it by
horizontal lines.
=Blue Black=, or =Charcoal Black=, is a pigment prepared by burning
vine-twigs in close vessels. Mixed with _white lead_ it yields very fine
silvery _greys_. (See also BLACK PIGMENTS.)
=Blue Pigments.= Minerals:—see ULTRAMARINE, COBALT, BLUE VERDITER.
Vegetable:—_Indigo_. Animal:—_Prussian blue_. (See CARBONATE OF COPPER,
INTENSE BLUE.)
=Blue Verditer.= (See VERDITER.)
[Illustration: Figs. 89, 90. Boars. Gallic ensigns.]
=Boar.= In mediæval art, emblem of ferocity and sensuality. In heraldry
the boar is called Sanglier. The military ensigns of the Gauls were
surmounted by figures of the wild boar.
=Boclerus=, Med. Lat. A buckler; 14th century. The word is derived from
the German Bock, a goat. Compare ÆGIS.
=Bodkin=, Saxon. A dagger, a hair-pin, a blunt flat needle.
“With _bodkins_ was Cæsar Julius
Murdred at Rome, of Brutus, Cassius.”
(_The Serpent of Division_, 1590.)
“He pulls her bodkin that is tied in a piece of black ribbon.” (_The
Parson’s Wedding_, 1663.)
The Latin name for this classical head-dress was _acus_.
=Body Colour.= In speaking of oil colours the term applies to their
solidity, or degree of opacity; water-colour painting is said to be in
body colours when the pigments are laid on thickly, or mixed with white,
as in oil painting.
=Boedromia=, Gr. and R. A festival instituted in honour of Apollo the
Helper—βοηδρόμος. It was held at Athens on the sixth day of September, a
month thence called _Boedromion_.
=Bohemian Glass.= The manufacture of a pure crystal glass well adapted
for engraving became an important industry in Germany about the year
1600, and the art of engraving was admirably developed during the
century. Of Johann Schapper, especially, Jacquemart says that he
produced “subjects and arabesques of such delicacy of execution that at
first sight they seemed merely like a cloud on the glass.”
=Bohordamentum=, Med. Lat. A joust with mock lances called “bouhours.”
=Bojæ=, R. (_bos_, an ox). (1) A heavy collar of wood or iron for
dangerous dogs. (2) A similar collar placed round the necks of criminals
or slaves.
=Boletar=, R. A dish on which mushrooms (_boleti_) were served, and
thence transferred to dishes of various forms.
=Bolevardus=, Med. Lat. A boulevard or rampart.
=Bombard=, O. E. A machine for projecting stones or iron balls; the
precursor of the cannon. First used in the 14th century.
[Illustration: Fig. 91. Bombards worn by King James I. of England.]
=Bombards=, O. E. Padded breeches. In Elizabeth’s reign the breeches,
then called BOMBARDS, were stuffed so wide that a gallery or scaffold
was erected to accommodate members of Parliament who wore them. The
engraving shows James I. (painted 1614) attired for hawking. (Fig. 91.)
=Bombax=, O. E. The stuff now called Bombasin. “A sort of fine silk or
cotton cloth well known upon the continent during the 13th century.”
(_Strutt._)
=Bombé=, Fr. Curved furniture, introduced in the 18th century.
=Bombulom= or =Bunibulum=, O. E. (from the Greek βόμβος, a hollow deep
sound). A musical instrument consisting of an angular frame with metal
plates, which sounded when shaken like the _sistrum_ of the Egyptians.
=Bombylos= and =Bombylê=, Gr. and R. A vase so called from the gurgling
noise which the liquid makes in pouring out through its narrow neck.
=Bone Black.= (See IVORY BLACK.)
=Book.= In mediæval art an attribute of the fathers of the Church; in
the hands of evangelists and apostles it represents the Gospel. St.
Boniface carries a book pierced with a sword. St. Stephen, St.
Catherine, St. Bonaventura, and St. Thomas Aquinas also carry books.
=Bordure=, Her. A border to a shield.
=Boreasmos=, Gr. A festival held at Athens in honour of Boreas, the god
of the north wind.
=Borto= or =Burdo=, Med. Lat. A lance.
=Boss.= The centre of a shield; also an architectural ornament for
ceilings, put where the ribs of a vault meet, or in other situations.
[Illustration: Fig. 92. Greek Bossage.]
[Illustration: Fig. 93. Bossage.]
=Bossage=, Arch. An arrangement of plain or ornamental projections on
the surface of a wall of dressed masonry. Figs. 92 and 93 represent two
Greek walls finished in this manner.
=Boston=, O. E. A flower so called.
=Botéga=, It. A manufactory or artist’s workshop where pottery is made.
[Illustration: Fig. 94. Botonée Fitchée.]
=Botonée, Fitchée=, Her. Varieties of the heraldic cross, called also
treflée. (Fig. 94.)
[Illustration: Fig. 95. Coffee-pot of Bottcher Ware.]
=Bottcher Ware.= Early Dresden pottery. (1) A very hard red stone-ware,
made of a red clay of Okrilla, invented at Meissen by John Frederick
Bottcher. (2) Porcelain. Bottcher, finding his wig very heavy one day,
examined the powder upon it, and discovered it to be the fine kaolin of
Aue, from which the Dresden (or Meissen) china is made. Bottcher’s first
object was to obtain a paste as white and as perfect as that of the
COREA; he succeeded at his first trial, and produced pieces with archaic
decoration so perfectly imitated, that one would hesitate to declare
them European.
[Illustration: Fig. 96. Bottle-mouldings.]
=Bottle=, =Boutell=, =Bowtell=, or =Boltell=, Arch. An old English term
for a bead moulding; also for small shafts of clustered columns resting
against the pillars of a nave, in the Romano-Byzantine and Gothic
periods. These shafts spring from the ground and rise to the height of
the bend of the roof, the diagonal ribs of which they receive on coupled
columns. Probably from _bolt_, an arrow.
[Illustration: Fig. 97. Water Bouget.]
=Bougets= or =Water Bougets=, Fr., were pouches of leather, which were
used by the Crusaders for carrying water in the deserts. Fig. 97 is a
heraldic representation of the coat of arms of De Ros.
=Boulé=, =Bouleuterion=, Gr. An assembly composed of the foremost men of
the nation. It was a kind of senate or higher council which deliberated
on the affairs of the republic. The popular assembly, on the other hand,
composed of all the males of free birth, was called _agora_, and was
held in a place called by the same name. (See AGORA.)
=Boule.= A peculiar kind of marquetry, composed of tortoise-shell and
thin brass, to which are sometimes added ivory and enamelled metal.
Named from its inventor, André Charles Boule, born 1642.
=Boulting-mill.= A mill for winnowing the flour from the bran
(_crusca_); the device of the Academy of La Crusca. (See CRUSCA.)
=Bourdon.= A pilgrim’s staff. On the walls of Hôtel Cluny, at Paris, the
pilgrim’s _bourdon_ and cockle-shells are sculptured. Piers Plowman
describes a pilgrim’s
“_burdoun_ y-bounde
With a broad liste, in a withwynde wise
Y-wounden about.”
=Bourginot.= A close helmet of the 15th century, first used in Burgundy.
[Illustration: Fig. 98. Bourgogne Point Lace.]
=Bourgogne, Point de=, is a beautifully fine and well-finished pillow
lace resembling old Mechlin. No record remains of its manufacture. (Fig.
98.)
=Bovile.= (See BUBILE.)
=Bow.= Represented in the most ancient monuments. In classical art an
attribute of Apollo, Cupid, Diana, Hercules, and the Centaurs.
=Bow=, Arch., O. E. A flying buttress, or arch-buttress.
=Bowed=, Her. Having a convex contour.
=Bower= or =Bowre=, O. E. The Anglo-Saxon name for a bed-chamber, “_bird
in bure_” = a lady in her chamber. The bed-chambers were separate
buildings grouped round or near the central hall.
“Up then rose fair Annet’s father,
Twa hours or it wer day,
And he is gane into the _bower_
Wherein fair Annet lay.”
(_Percy Ballads._)
=Bowls of metal=, generally bronze or copper, found in early Anglo-Saxon
_barrows_ or graves, are probably of Roman workmanship. Some beautiful
_buckets_ (A.S. _bucas_) were made of wood, generally of ash, whence
they had another name _æscen_. They are ornamented with designs, and
figures of animals, and were probably used at festivities to contain ale
or mead.
=Bowtell= or =Boutell=, Arch. (See BOTTLE.)
=Brabeum=, =Brabium=, or =Bravium=, Gr. (βραβεῖον, from βραβεὺς, judge).
Three terms denoting the prize assigned to the victor in the public
games.
[Illustration: Fig. 99. Figures with Braccæ.]
=Braccæ=, =Bracæ=, or =Bragæ= (Celtic _breac_). Trousers worn
principally by barbarous nations, such as the Amazons, Gauls, Persians,
and Scythians. _Anaxyrides_ was the name given to close-fitting
trousers, _braccæ laxæ_ to wider pantaloons, such as those worn by the
Gaul in the left-hand corner of Fig. 99, from a bas-relief taken from
the sarcophagus of the _vigna_ Ammendola. The _braccæ virgatæ_ were
striped pantaloons worn especially by Asiatics; _braccæ picta_,
variegated or embroidered trousers. (See BREECHES.)
[Illustration: Fig. 100. Three diamond rings interlaced.]
=Braced= or =Brazed=, Her. Interlaced, as in the illustration of the
arms of Cosmo, the founder of the Medici family. (Fig. 100.) (See also
the illustration to FRET.)
=Bracelet.= Bracelets were, among the ancients, a symbol of marriage.
(See ARMILLA.)
=Bracelets.= (See PERISCELIS.)
=Brachiale=, R. (_brachium_, the arm). An armlet, or piece of defensive
armour covering the _brachium_ or forearm. It was worn by gladiators in
the circus. Some beautifully ornamented specimens were found among the
excavations at Pompeii.
=Brackets=, Arch., in mediæval architecture, are usually called Corbels.
(See Fig. 5.)
=Braconniere=, O. E. A skirt of armour, worn hanging from the breast and
back plates; 16th century.
=Bractea= or =Brattea=, R. Leaves of metal, especially of gold, beaten
out.
=Braga=, =Bragæ=. (See BRACCÆ.)
=Bragamas=, O. E. (See BRAQUEMARD.) “Un grant coustel, que l’en dit
bragamas;” 14th cent.
=Braggers=, O. E. An obsolete term for timber BRACKETS.
=Brake=, O. E. A quern or hand-mill.
=Brand=, A.S. A torch; hence, from its shining appearance, a sword.
(_Meyrick._)
=Brandrate=, O. E. An iron tripod fixed over the fire, on which to set a
pot or kettle.
=Braquemard=, O. E. A kind of sabre—“un grant coustel d’Alemaigne, nommé
braquemart;” 14th century.
=Brass=, Gen. An alloy made by mixing copper with tin, or else with zinc
or silver. Another name for it is BRONZE (q.v.). Corinthian brass is
very celebrated, but little is known of its composition even at the
present day. Mosaic gold, pinchbeck, prince’s metal, &c., are varieties
of brass differing in the proportions of the ingredients. Brass beaten
into very thin leaves is called Dutch Metal.
[Illustration: Fig. 101. Brassart.]
=Brassart.= Plate armour for the arm. (Fig. 101.)
=Brasses.= Engraved metal plates inlaid in the pavements or walls of
churches as monuments. The material was called _cullen_ (or Cologne)
plate. The engravings were made black with mastic or bitumen, and the
field or background was coarsely enamelled in various colours.
=Brattach=, Celtic. A standard; literally, a cloth.
=Braunshid=, O. E. Branched.
=Breadth= “in painting is a term which denotes largeness, space,
vastness,” &c. (Consult J. B. Pyne “_On the Nomenclature of Pictorial
Art_,” Art Union, 1843.)
=Breccia=, It. A conglomerate used by the ancients in architecture and
sculpture.
=Breeches= (_breac_ Celtic, _braccæ_ Lat.). The word breeches in its
present acceptance was first used towards the end of the 16th century;
previously, breeches were called hose, upper socks, and slop. (See
BOMBARDS and BRACCÆ.)
=Bremen Green.= (See VERDITER.)
=Breys=, Her. (See BARNACLES.)
=Bridges=, O. E. A kind of satin manufactured at Bruges.
[Illustration: Fig. 102. Bridle-device of the Arbusani.]
=Bridle.= A favourite Scriptural emblem of self-restraint and
self-denial. The illustration is the device of Benedetto Arbusani of
Padua; with the motto which, according to Epictetus, contains every
essential to human happiness. (Fig. 102.) (See “_Historic Devices_.”)
=Broach= or =Broch=, O. E. A church spire, or _any sharp-pointed
object_, was frequently so called.
[Illustration: Fig. 103. Broad arrow.]
=Broad Arrow=, now used as the Royal mark on all Government stores, &c.,
was first employed as a regal badge by Richard I. (Fig. 103.)
[Illustration: Fig. 104. Gold Brocade State or “Ducal” costume of the
Dogeressa of Venice.]
=Brocade.= A stout silken stuff of variegated pattern. Strutt says it
was composed of silk interwoven with threads of gold and silver. The
state or “ducal” costume of the Dogeressa of Venice, represented in the
illustration, consisted principally of an ample robe of the finest gold
brocade, lined with ermine. (Figs. 88, 104.)
=Broella.= Coarse cloth worn by monks in the Middle Ages.
=Bromias=, Gr. A drinking-vessel of wood, or silver, resembling a large
SCYPHUS (q.v.).
=Bronze.= _Antique_ bronze was composed of tin and copper; the _modern_
bronze contains also zinc and lead, by which the fluidity is increased,
and the brittleness diminished.
=Bronzes= (ancient Chinese) are rarely seen out of the province of
Fokien. The lines of metal are small and delicate, and are made to
represent flowers, trees, animals of various kinds, and sometimes
Chinese characters. Some fine bronzes, inlaid with gold, are met with in
this province. As a general rule, Chinese bronzes are more remarkable
for their peculiar and certainly not very handsome form than for
anything else.
=Bronzing.= The art of laying a coating of bronze powder on wood,
gypsum, or other material. Another method is the electrotype process.
(Consult Walker’s _Electrotype Manipulation_.)
[Illustration: Figs. 105 to 112. Gallic and Merovingian brooches.]
=Brooch.= (See FIBULA.) Anglo-Saxon and Irish specimens of magnificent
workmanship are described in the _Archæological Album_. In the Middle
Ages brooches bore quaint inscriptions: Chaucer’s “prioress” wore
“_a broche_ of gold ful shene,
On which was first y-wretten a crouned A,
And after, _Amor vincit omnia_.”
Leather brooches for hats are mentioned by Dekker in _Satiromastix_,
Reading Tips
Use arrow keys to navigate
Press 'N' for next chapter
Press 'P' for previous chapter