Fig. 141. Casque.Fig. 142. Casque.Casque, Fr. Helmets of every description, from those of classical times to the present, have been called casques by the poets; but the head-piece specially so designated is first seen in English armour of the reign of Henry VIII. The casque was generally without a visor, and worn more for parade than warfare. The engraving Fig.141represents a Gaulish and Fig.142an Oriental casque.
Fig. 141. Casque.
Fig. 141. Casque.
Fig. 141. Casque.
Fig. 142. Casque.
Fig. 142. Casque.
Fig. 142. Casque.
Casque, Fr. Helmets of every description, from those of classical times to the present, have been called casques by the poets; but the head-piece specially so designated is first seen in English armour of the reign of Henry VIII. The casque was generally without a visor, and worn more for parade than warfare. The engraving Fig.141represents a Gaulish and Fig.142an Oriental casque.
Casquetel.A small open helmet without beaver or visor, having a projecting umbril, and flexible plates to protect the neck behind.
Cassel Black.(SeeBlack.)
Cassel Earth.A brown pigment.
Cassel Yellow.(SeeTurner’s Yellow.)
Cassida.(SeeCassis.)
Cassilden, O. E. Chalcedony.
Cassisor, rarely,Cassida(perhaps an Etruscan word). A casque or helmet made of metal, and so distinguished fromGalea(q.v.), a helmet made of leather. Figs. 141 and 142 represent respectively a Gaulish and an Easterncassis(the latter, however, is considered by some antiquaries to be Gaulish). The war-casque of the Egyptian kings, although of metal, was covered with a panther’s skin; it was ornamented with theUræus(q.v.).
Cassocksignifies a horseman’s loose coat, and is used in that sense by the writers of the age of Shakspeare. It likewise appears to have been part of the dress of rustics. (Stevens.) It was called a “vest” in the time of Charles II. Later on it became the distinguishing dress of the clergy.
Cassolette, Fr. A perfume box with a perforated lid; the perforations in a censer.
Cassone.An Italian chest, richly carved and gilt, and often decorated with paintings, which frequently held thetrousseauof a bride.
Castanets.Various peoples have employed flat pieces of wood to produce a certain kind of noise during religious ceremonies. The Egyptians seem to have had for this purpose “hands” of wood or ivory, which were struck one against the other to form an accompaniment to chants or rhythmic dances. (SeeCrotala, &c.)
Fig. 143. Cup of Castel Durante (1525), in the Museum of the Louvre.
Fig. 143. Cup of Castel Durante (1525), in the Museum of the Louvre.
Fig. 143. Cup of Castel Durante (1525), in the Museum of the Louvre.
Castel Durante.An ancient manufactory of Urbino ware, established in the 14th century. Fig.143, from a cup in the Louvre, is a fine specimen of Castel Durante majolica of the 16th century.
Castellum(dimin. ofCastrum, q.v.; i. e. a small castle). A small fortified place or citadel; also a reservoir for water. The ruins ofcastellastill existing are very few in number; one of the most perfect, as far as the basin is concerned, is that of thecastellum divisoriumordeversorium, at Nismes.
Casteria.A storehouse in which the rudder, oars, and movable tackle of a vessel were kept.
Castor.The beaver; hence applied to beaver hats.
Castoreæ, R. Costly fabrics and dresses made of the fur of beavers.
Castra, R. (plur. ofcastrum, which, likecasa, = the covering thing). This term was applied solely to an encampment, a fortified or intrenched camp, while the singularcastrum, an augmentative ofCasa(q.v.), denotes a hut, or strongly-constructed post, and consequently a fort, or fortress; but for this last the Romans preferred to use the diminutivecastellum.
CastulaorCaltula, R. A short petticoat worn by Roman women, held up by braces.
Casula, R. (dimin. ofcasa). (1) A small hut or cabin. (2) A hooded cloak, or capote.
Cat.The Egyptian name for the cat (maaou) is evidently onomatopoetic. As a symbol, this animal played a part which has hitherto not been clearly determined. Certain papyri show us the cat severing the serpent’s head from its body, a symbol which would seem to point out the cat as the destroyer of the enemies of the daylight and the sun. Again, the goddessBastis represented with a cat’s head, the animal being sacred to her.
Cat(Med. Lat.cattusorgattus). A covering under which soldiers lay for shelter, while sapping the walls of a fortress, &c.
Cataclista, R. A close-fitting garment worn by Roman ladies, bearing a great resemblance to those which are to be seen on Egyptian statues.
Catacombs, Chr. This term, the etymology of which is uncertain, serves to denote disused stone quarries, made use of by the early Christians for their meetings, and as subterranean cemeteries. We meet with catacombs in several cities, but the most celebrated are unquestionably those of Rome. Catacombs also exist at Syracuse, Catana, Palermo, Naples, and Paris.
Catadromus, R. (fromκατὰandδρόμος, i. e. a running down). A tight-rope for acrobats in a circus or amphitheatre. Thecatadromuswas stretched in a slanting direction from a point in the arena to the top of the building.
Catafaltus, Med. Lat. (SeeCagasuptus.)
Catagrapha, Gr. and R. (κατα-γραφὴ, i. e. a drawing or marking down). A painting in perspective (rarely met with in the works of the ancient painters).
Cataphracta, Gr. and R. (κατα-φράκτης, i. e. that which covers up). A general term to denote any kind of breastplate worn by the Roman infantry. [Cataphracti were heavy-armed cavalry, with the horses in armour.]
Cataphracti.Decked vessels, in opposition toaphracti, open boats.
Catapirates, Gr. and R. (κατα-πειρατὴς, i. e. that which makes trial downwards). A sounding lead, of an ovoid form, with tallow or a kind of glue at the end, by means of which sailors were able to ascertain the nature of the bottom.
Catapulta, Gr. and R. (κατα-πέλτης, i. e. that which hurls). A military engine for discharging heavy missiles. Theballistaprojected stones; thecatapult, darts; thescorpio(uncertain). They were all calledtormenta, from thetwistingof the ropes of hairs or fibres which supplied the propelling force.
Catascopium, Gr. and R. (dimin. ofCatascopus, q.v.). A post of observation or sentry tower.
Catascopus, Gr. and R. (κατάσκοπος, i. e. that which explores or spies). (1) A post of observation. (2) A vessel employed as a spy-ship; and by analogy (3) a scout, i. e. a soldier whose duty is to act as a spy on the enemy.
Catasta(fromκατάστασις, i. e. a place of presentation). A platform upon which slaves were placed to be publicly sold. Some scaffolds of this kind were made to revolve, so that the purchaser might thoroughly inspect every part of the slave at his leisure.Catasta arcanawas the name given to a gridiron, or iron bed, upon which criminals were laid to undergo torture. (SeeGridiron.)
Cateja(Celtic word). A missile made of wood hardened in the fire. It was employed by the Gauls, Germans, and other barbarians in the way of a harpoon, a rope being fastened to one end of the weapon, by means of which it could be recovered after it had been launched.
Catella(dimin. ofCatena, q.v.). A term specially used to denote the finer sorts of chains made of bronze, silver, and gold. Chains made of the precious metals were worn as trinkets. [The use of the diminutive indicates elegance and delicacy.]
Catellus, R. (dimin. ofCatena, q.v.). A chain used to shackle slaves, or perhaps merely attached to them in the way of a clog.
Catena, R. (1) A chain, especially (2) a chain of gold or silver worn as an ornament round the body, like abalteus(shoulder-belt), by certain goddesses, dancing girls, bacchantes, or courtezans.
Catenarius.The chained dog kept at the entrance of their houses by the Romans.
Catharmata(καθάρματα, fromκαθαίρω, i. e. that which is thrown away in cleansing). Sacrifices in which human victims were offered up, in order to avert the plague or similar visitations. [They were thrown into the sea.]
Cathedra(καθέδρα, fromκατὰandἕδρα, i. e. a place for sitting down). A chair having a back, but without arms. There were various kinds ofcathedræ: thecathedra stratawas a chair furnished with cushions;cathedra supina, a chair with long sloping back;cathedra longa, a chair with long deep seat. Thecathedra philosophorumwas the equivalent of our modern term, a professor’s chair.
Catherine Wheel.In Gothic architecture, a large circular window, filled with radiating divisions; called also rose-window.
Cathetus, Arch. (1) The axle of a cylinder. (2) The centre of the Ionic volute.
Fig. 144. Catillus for grinding corn.
Fig. 144. Catillus for grinding corn.
Fig. 144. Catillus for grinding corn.
CatillusandCatillum(dimin. ofCatinus, q.v.; i. e. a small bowl). (1) The upper part of a mill for grinding corn, which served both as grindstone and hopper or bowl. Fig.144represents an ancient mill, a fourth part of thecatillusbeing suppressed in order to show the reader the mechanism. (2) A small dish having much resemblance to thecatinus, and so by analogy (3) a flat circular ornament employed to decorate the scabbard of a sword.
CatinusandCatinum, R. (akin to Sicilianκάτινον). Dishes used for cooking, and for the table.Catinamight be of earthenware or metal, of glass or other precious material, and were employed as sacrificial vessels to hold incense, &c.
Catty.A Chinese weight = 1⅓ lb.
Catulus, R. When a slave ran away from his master, and was retaken, he was led back in chains, thecatulusbeing the chain which was attached to an iron collar passing round his neck. A slave was thus said to be led backcum manicis, catulo, collarique, i. e. with manacles, leading chain, and neck-collar.
Caudex.(SeeCodex.)
Caudicarius,Codicarius, R. (fromcaudex, a tree-trunk). A wide flat barge employed in river transport. It was of rough construction, and was broken up on arriving at its destination.
Caudicius, R. A vessel of the same kind as thecaudicarius, employed on the Moselle.
Caughley-ware(Shropshire). A soft porcelain; 18th century.
Caul, O. E. A cap or network enclosing the hair.
CauliculiorCaulicoli, R. (dimin. ofcaulis, a stalk). Acanthus leaves springing from the capital of a Corinthian column.
Caupolus.(SeeCaupulus.)
Caupona, R. (caupo, an innkeeper). An inn or hostel for the accommodation of travellers. Thecauponæbore a general resemblance to our roadside inns. [Also, a cooked-meat shop.]
Cauponula, R. (dimin. ofcaupona). A small tavern, or low wine-shop of mean appearance.
Caupulus, R. A kind of boat, classed by authors among thelembiandcymbæ.
Caurus, R. An impersonation of the North-West wind; represented under the form of an old man with a beard, pouring down rain from an urn.
Causia, Gr. and R. (καυσία, fromκαῦσις, i. e. that which keeps off heat). A broad-brimmed felt hat, of Macedonian invention, and adopted by the Romans. It was especially worn by fishermen and sailors.
Cauter(καυτὴρ, i. e. that which burns). A cautery or branding-iron. Thecauterwas (1) an instrument used by surgeons; it was also used for branding cattle and slaves. (2) An instrument employed to burn in the colours in an encaustic painting.
Cauterium=Cauter(q.v.).
Cavædium, R. (fromcavumandædes, i. e. the hollow part of a house). An open courtyard. In early times the Romans had an external courtyard to their houses. In course of time, however, the increase of luxury and comfort brought about a change in thecavædium, which was partially covered in with a roof supported by columns, a partial opening being left in the centre, which was called thecompluvium. When thus altered, thecavædiumwent under the name ofAtrium(q.v.).
Cavalherium.(SeeCaballaria.)
CavalleriusorCavallero, Med. Lat. A knight or cavalier.
Cavea, R. (fromcavus, i. e. a hollow place or cavity), (1) A wooden cage with open bars, of wood or, more generally, of iron, used for the transport and exhibition of the wild beasts of a menagerie. (2) A bird-cage. (3) A frame of wicker-work employed by fullers and dyers. (4) A palisade to protect young trees when growing up, and (5) the vast reversed cone formed by the successive stages of a theatre or amphitheatre. This might be divided, according to the size of the building, into one, two, or three distinct tiers, called respectively upper, lower, and middle (summa,ima,media cavea). (6) A warlike machine used in attacking cities.
Cavetto, Arch. (deriv. from Ital.cavo). A concave moulding formed of a segment of a circle.
Cavo-relievo.Intaglio-sculpture cut into the stone, as in Egyptian art.
CeadasorCæadas(κεάδαςorκαιάδας). A deep cave into which the Spartans thrust condemned prisoners.
CeintureorCeint. A girdle. (SeeCinctus.)
Celadon.A peculiar tinted porcelain, described by Jacquemart as the earliest tint of Chinese pottery.
Celebê(Κελέβη). A vase of ovoid form and with two handles. The lower part is shaped elegantly, like an amphora, but the upper part resembles a pitcher with a sort of projecting lip. Its peculiarity is in thehandles, which are “pillared” and “reeded.”
Celes, R. A racing or saddle horse, as opposed to a draught horse. The same term was also applied to a vessel or boat of a peculiar form, propelled by oars, in which each rower handled only a single oar. It was also calledcelox.
Fig. 145. Plan of temple showing the Cella.
Fig. 145. Plan of temple showing the Cella.
Fig. 145. Plan of temple showing the Cella.
Cella, R. (fromcelo, to hide). The interior of a temple, i. e. the part comprised within the four walls. In Fig.145arepresents the portico,bthecella. The term is also used to denote a niche, store-room, or, in general, any kind of cellar; e. g.cella vinaria,cella olearia, and even a tavern situated in a cellar. The term was also applied to slaves’ dormitories, the parts of the public baths, &c.
Cellatio.A suite of apartments in a Roman house set apart for various purposes, but especially as quarters for slaves.
Cellula(dimin. ofCella, q.v.). A small sanctuary, i. e. the interior of a small temple, and by analogy any kind of small chamber.
Celox.(SeeCeles.)
Celt.A variety of chisels and adzes of the flint and bronze periods.
Celtic(Monuments) were usually constructed of huge stones, and are known, for that reason, asmegalithic monuments. Such areStanding Stones,Dolmens,MenhirsorPeulvans,Cromlechs,Covered Alleys,Tumuli, &c. (See these words.)
Cembel.A kind of joust orHASTILUDE.
Cendal,Sandal, &c., O. E. The name, variously spelt, of a silken stuff used for vestments, and for banners, &c.; 13th century. We now call this stuffsarcenet.
Cenotaph(κενο-τάφιον, i. e. an empty tomb). A monument raised to a Roman citizen who had been drowned at sea, or who, from any other cause, failed to receive burial.
Censer.A sacred vessel used for burning perfumes.
Fig. 146. Centaur.
Fig. 146. Centaur.
Fig. 146. Centaur.
Centaur(κένταυρος, according to some, fromκεντέωandταῦρος, i. e. herdsman; but prob. simply fromκεντέω, i. e. Piercer or Spearman). The Centaurs are represented with the body of a horse, and bust, head, and arms of a man. (Fig.146.) In Christian archæology, the Centaur is a symbol of the swift passage of life, the force of the instincts, and in a special sense, of adultery. The war of the Centaurs and the Lapithæ is the subject of the frieze at the British Museum, from a temple of Apollo in Arcadia.Hippo-centaurswere half horse;Onocentaurs, half ass; andBucentaursorTauro-centaurs, half ox.
Fig. 147. Centaur and young.
Fig. 147. Centaur and young.
Fig. 147. Centaur and young.
Cento(κέντρων, patchwork). A covering made of different scraps of cloth, and used as clothing for slaves. The same term denotes a coarse cloth which was placed beneath the saddle of a beast of burden, to keep the back of the animal from being galled by the saddle. In Christian archæology the term was used to denote a coarse patchwork garment, and, by analogy, a poem composed of verses taken from various authors, like theCento nuptialisof Ausonius.
Centunculus(dimin. ofCento, q.v.). A motley garment of various colours, like that of our harlequin. It was worn, according to Apuleius, by the actors who played in burlesques, and there are certain vases on which Bacchus is represented, arrayed in a similar costume.
Cepotaphium(κηπο-τάφιον). A tomb situated in a garden.
Cera(akin toκηρός). Wax, and, by analogy, any objects made of wax, such as images of the family ancestors (imagines majorum); or the wax tablets for writing on with thestylus. These were called respectivelyceræ duplices,triplices,quintuplices, according as they had two, three, or five leaves. The first, second, third, and last tablet were called respectivelyprima,secunda,tertia,ultimaorextrema cera.
Ceramic.Appertaining toPottery(q.v.).
Cerberus.The three-headed dog who guarded the gates of hell.
Cercurus(κέρκουρος, perhaps fromΚέρκυρα, the island Corcyra). A Cyprian vessel propelled by oars. Its form is unknown.
Cerebrerium.An iron skull-cap,temp.Edward I.
Cere-cloth(cera, wax). Cloth saturated with wax, used for enveloping a consecrated altarstone, or a dead body.
Cereus(cera, wax). A wax candle, made either with the fibres of cyperus or papyrus twisted together and dipped in wax, or with the pith of elder, or rush, covered with the same material.
Ceriolare(cera, wax). A stand, holder, or candelabrum for wax candles. There were a great variety of this kind of vessel. (SeeCandelabrum.)
Cernuus(fromcer=κάρα, andnuo, i. e. with head inclined to the ground). A tumbler who walks upon his hands with his feet in the air. Women even used to turn series of summersaults, resting alternately on the feet and hands, among a number of swords or knives stuck in the ground. This exhibition was called by the Greeksεἰς μαχαίρας κυβιστᾶν, i. e. lit. to tumble head over heels between knives).
Cerōma(κήρωμα, a wax-salve). A room in which wrestlers rubbed themselves over with oil and fine sand. The room was so named from the unguent employed, which consisted of wax mixed with oil [which was also calledcerōma].
Cero—plastic.The art of modelling in wax.
Cero-strotumorCestrotum, Lat. A kind of encaustic painting upon ivory or horn, in which the lines were burnt in with the cestrum, and the furrows filled with wax.
Certosina Work.Florence, 15th century. Ivory inlaid into solid cypress-wood and walnut. The style is Indian in character, and consists in geometric arrangements of stars made of diamond-shaped pieces, varied with conventional flowers in pots, &c.
Certyl.Old English for kirtle.
Ceruse.A name for white lead. (SeeCarbonate of Lead.)
Cervelliere.(SeeCerebrerium.)
Cervi(lit. stags). Large branches of trees with the forks still left upon them, but cut down close to the stock, so that the whole presented the appearance of a stag’s antlers.Cerviwere employed to strengthen a palisade, so as to impede the advance of infantry, or resist attacks of cavalry.
Cervical(fromcervix, a neck). A cushion or pillow for supporting the back of the head on a bed or dining-couch. (SeePulvinar.)
Cervus.(SeeStag.)
Ceryceum(κηρύκειον, a herald’s staff). It is a synonym ofCaduceus(q.v.).
Cesticillus(dimin. ofCestus, q.v.). A circular pad used as a rest by persons who had to carry burdens on their heads.
Cestra.(SeeCestrosphendonè.)
Cestrosphendonè, Gr. (a dart-sling.) A dart fixed to a wooden stock with three short wooden wings, discharged from a sling.
Cestrotum.(SeeCero-strotum.)
CestrumorViriculum(κέστρον, i. e. that which pricks or pierces). A graver used in the process of encaustic painting on ivory. It was made of ivory, pointed at one end and flat at the other. (SeeCero-strotum,Rhabdion.)
Cestus(κεστὸς, embroidered), (1) In general any kind of band or tie; but specially the embroidered girdle of Venus. (2) A boxing gauntlet. (SeeCæstus.)
Cetra(prob. a Spanish word). A small round shield in use among several barbarous nations, but never by the Romans.
Chaable, Old Fr. A large ballista. (SeeCabulus.) Trees blown down by the wind are still called “caables” in France. (Meyrick.)
Chabasite(χαβὸς, narrow, compressed). A crystal of a white colour.
Chaconne, Fr. (Sp.chacona; It.ciacona). A modification of the dancechica(q.v.).
Chadfarthing, O. E. A farthing formerly paid among the Easter dues, for the purpose of hallowing the font for christenings. (Halliwell.)
Chafer, O. E. (1) A beetle or May-bug. (2) A saucepan.
Chafer-house, O. E. An ale-house.
Chafery, O. E. A furnace.
Fig. 148. Chaffagiolo ware. Sweetmeat plate, with arabesques, about 1509.
Fig. 148. Chaffagiolo ware. Sweetmeat plate, with arabesques, about 1509.
Fig. 148. Chaffagiolo ware. Sweetmeat plate, with arabesques, about 1509.
Chaffagiolo, orCaffagiolo, is the place where Cosmo the Great established the first Tuscan manufactory of majolica, and where Luca della Robbia acquired his knowledge of the stanniferous enamel. Fig.148is a specimen of Chaffagiolo ware of the 15th century.
Chain-moulding, Arch. An ornament of the Norman period, sculptured in imitation of a chain.
Chain-timbers, Arch. Bond timbers, the thickness of a brick, introduced to tie and strengthen a wall.
Chair.(SeeSella.)
Chair de Poule(chicken’s flesh). An ornamentation of the surface of pottery with little hemispheric points; a Chinese method.
Chaisel, Old Fr. (1) An upper garment. (2) A kind of fine linen, of which smocks were often made.
Chalameau, Fr. Stem or straw-pipe. The lower notes of the clarionet are called thechalameautone, from the ancientshawm.
Chalcanthum(χάλκ-ανθον, i. e. that which is thrown off by copper). Shoemaker’s black or copperas, used for imparting a dark colour to boot-leather. (SeeAtramentum.)
Chalcedony.(SeeCalcedony.)
Chalcidicum(Χαλκιδικὸν, i. e. pertaining to the city of Chalcis). The exact meaning of this term is unknown. According to some, it was a portico; according to others, a kind of long hall or transept.
Chalciœcia(χαλκι-οίκια, brazen house). A Spartan festival in honour of Athena under that designation.
Chalcography(χαλκὸς, copper). Engraving on copper.Chalcographywas discovered in Florence, in the 15th century, and early introduced into England. Caxton’s “Golden Legend,” containing copper-plate prints, was published in 1483. The process is as follows:—A perfectly smooth plate of copper, having been highly polished, is heated in an oven, and then white wax rubbed over it until the whole surface is covered with a thin layer. A tracing is laid over the wax, with the black-lead lines downwards, which transfers the design to the wax. Then the tracing-paper is removed, and the engraver goes over the lines lightly with a fine steel point, so as just to penetrate the wax, and scratch a delicate outline upon the copper. The wax is then melted off, and the engraving finished with thegraver, orburin, a steel instrument with a peculiar pyramidal point. Should the lines be cut too deeply, a smooth tool, about three inches long, called aburnisher, is used to soften them down, and to burnish out scratches in the copper. Theridgesorburrsthat rise on each side of the engraved lines are scraped off by a tool about six inches long, called ascraper, made of steel, with three sharp edges. This method has for printing purposes been generally superseded by other processes, principallyetching.
Chalcus(χαλκοῦς). A Greek copper coin, somewhat less than a farthing.
Fig. 149. Chalice, silver-gilt—14th century.
Fig. 149. Chalice, silver-gilt—14th century.
Fig. 149. Chalice, silver-gilt—14th century.
Chalice, Chr. (deriv. fromcalix, a cup). A sacred vessel used in the celebration of the mass. There were many different kinds, calledministeriales,offertorii,majores, andminores. Theministerialesserved to distribute the wine; theoffertoriiwere employed by the deacons to hold the wine offered by the faithful. Lastly, they were distinguished according to their size, as large or small (majoresandminores). Vessels calledcaliceswere also frequently suspended from the arches of the ciborium, and other parts of the church, as ornaments. In Christian symbolism the chalice and serpent issuing from it are an attribute of St. John the Evangelist.
Chalon, O. E. A coverlet. (Chaucer.)
Chamade, Fr. A beat of drum or trumpet inviting the enemy to a parley.
Chamber Music, as opposed to concert music. Madrigals were probably the earliest specimens of chamber music.
Chambers, O. E. Small cannon for firing on festive occasions.
Chamberyngs, O. E. Bedroom furniture.
Fig. 150. Chameleon and Dolphin.
Fig. 150. Chameleon and Dolphin.
Fig. 150. Chameleon and Dolphin.
Chameleon(χαμαὶ, on the ground, andλέων, a lion). In Christian symbolism, the emblem of inconstancy; in Chemistry, manganate of potass is calledchameleonfrom the changes of colour which its solution undergoes. The chameleon with a dolphin on its back (Fig.150) was the device of Pope Paul III.
Chamfer, Arch. (1) The angle of obliquity (of the sides of a steeple, &c.). (2) A hollow channel or gutter, such as the fluting of a column.
Fig. 151. Chamfron.
Fig. 151. Chamfron.
Fig. 151. Chamfron.
Chamfron, O. E. (Med. Lat.chamfrenum; Fr.champ-frein). A frontal of leather or steel to a horse’s bridle. (Fig.151.)
Chamlet, O. E. (SeeCamlet.)
Chammer, O. E. (Fr.chamarre). A gown worn by persons of rank,temp.Henry VIII.
Champ, Arch. A flat surface.
Champ-levé.A form of enamelling in which the pattern is cut out of the metal to be ornamented.
Chamulcus, R. and Gr. A heavy dray for the transport of building materials, such as blocks of marble, columns, obelisks, &c.
Chance, O. E. The game of hazard.
Chancel, Chr. (fromcancelli, a lattice). A term anciently used to denote thechoir. It derived its name from thecancellior stone screen by which it was enclosed.
Chandaras(Sanscrit,chanda-rasa, lit. moonjuice). An ancient name forcopal.
Chandeleuse, Fr. Candlemas Day.
Chandi(fromchand, the moon). Indian name for silver.
Chand-tara(lit. moon and stars) is the name of an Indian brocade, figured all over with representations of the heavenly bodies.
Changeable Silk, O. E., was woven of two colours, so that one of them showed itself unmixed and quite distinct on one side, and the second appeared equally clear on the other; mentionedA. D.1327, 1543, &c.
Changes.The altered melodies produced by varying the sounds of a peal of bells.
Fig. 152. Chante-pleure.
Fig. 152. Chante-pleure.
Fig. 152. Chante-pleure.
Chante-pleure, Fr. A water pot, made of earthenware, about a foot high, the orifice at the top the size of a pea, and the bottom full of small holes. Immersed in water, it quickly fills. If the opening at the top be then closed with the thumb, the vessel may be carried, and the water distributed as required. The widow of Louis I., Duke of Orleans, adopted this as her device, after the murder of her husband, in 1407.
Chantlate, Arch. A piece of wood under the eaves of a roof, by which two or three rows of overhanging slates or tiles are supported.
Chantry, Chr. (Fr.chanter, to sing). A chapel to which is attached a revenue as provision for a priest, whose duty it is to sing masses for the repose of the founder’s soul.
Chape, O. E. (Spanishchapa, a thin plate of metal). (1) The transverse guard of a sword. (2) A metal plate at the end of a scabbard. (3) A catch by which a thing is held in its place.
Fig. 153. Chapeau.
Fig. 153. Chapeau.
Fig. 153. Chapeau.
Chapeau, Her. Also called acap of dignity, of maintenance, or of estate. An early symbol of high dignity.
Chapeau Chinois, Fr. A set of small bells arranged in the form of a Chinese hat.
ChapelorChapelle de Fer. Iron helmet of knights of the 12th century. The diminutive ischapeline.
Chaperon, Fr. A hood or small cap for the head.
Chapiter, Arch. The upper part of a capital.
Fig. 154. Chaplet Moulding.
Fig. 154. Chaplet Moulding.
Fig. 154. Chaplet Moulding.
Chaplet, Arch. (Fr.chapelet). (1) A small cylindrical moulding, carved into beads and the like. (See Fig.154.) (2)Chaplets of flowers, which were worn in England, by both sexes, on festive occasions, during the Middle Ages, and chaplets of jewels in earlier times. (3) Chr. It was anciently the custom to crown the newly baptized with a chaplet or garland of flowers. (4) Chr. A succession of prayers recited in a certain order, regulated by beads, &c. (5) In Heraldry. A garland or wreath. (SeeCrancelin.)
Chapter, Chr. (Lat.capitulum). The body of the clergy of a cathedral, united under the bishop.
Chapter-house, Chr. A place of assemblage for aChapterof the clergy. That of Westminster contains some fine wall paintings of the middle of the 14th century.
Chaptrel, Arch. The capital of a column supporting an arch; an impost.
Character, Gr. and R. Generally, any sign or mark impressed, painted, or engraved on any object. In a more restricted sense, it denotes the instrument of iron or bronze with which such marks were made. In Art, the expression means a faithful adherence to the peculiarities of objects represented.
Charbokull, O. E. A carbuncle.
Charcoal Blacksare made of ivory, bones, vine-twigs, smoke of resin, &c., burned in a crucible excluded from the air. The best charcoalcrayonsare made of box and willow; the former produces a dense hard crayon, the latter a soft friable one. (Fairholt.) (SeeBlue Black.)
Chare Thursday, O. E. Maundy Thursday.
Charge, Her. Any heraldic figure or device.
Charisia, Gr. (Χάριτες, the Graces). Nocturnal festivals held in honour of the Graces, at which cakes and honey were distributed to those present.
Charisteria, Gr. (χάρις, gratitude). Festivals celebrated yearly at Athens, in remembrance of the Athenian general Thrasybulus, the saviour of his country.
Charistia.(SeeCaristia.)
Charistion.An instrument of Archimedes for weighing. Whether it bore most resemblance to the balance (libra), or the steelyard (statera), is uncertain, as its form is entirely unknown.
Charles’s Wain(Anglo-Saxon,carles-waen, the churl’s waggon). The seven stars forming the constellation generally called the Great Bear.
Charnel, O. E. Apex of the basinet.
Charnel-house.A small building attached to a cemetery, for a receptacle for the human bones disinterred when fresh graves were dug.
Charta, Gr. and R. Writing-paper in use among the ancients. There were eight different kinds, which were classed as follows in the order of their quality: (1)Charta AugustanaorClaudiana; (2)Liviana; (3)hieratica; (4)amphitheatrica; (5)Saitica; (6)leneotica; (7)fanniana; (8)dentata. The last was so called from being polished by means of the tooth (dens) of some animal, or a piece of ivory. There was also acharta emporeticaor packing-paper, and lastly acharta bibula. It is uncertain whether this last was blotting-paper, or a kind of transparent paper which had been steeped in oil or some other fatty substance.
Charter-roomorCharter-house. A place in which the charters of a particular family or house were preserved.
Chartophylax, Chr. A man who had charge of the charters of a church.
Chasing. (SeeCælatura.)
Chasse, Chr., Fr. A reliquary in the form of a box with a ridged top.
Chastelain, O. E. The lord of a castle.
Chastons, O. E. Breeches of mail; 13th to 16th century.