Fig. 155. Chasuble.
Fig. 155. Chasuble.
Fig. 155. Chasuble.
Chasuble(Lat.casula, a cottage). Part of ancient ecclesiastical costume common to all the Roman Catholic clergy, from the priest to the Archbishop. It was originally made of wool, and in one piece throughout, without sleeves, and without slit or opening in front, and perfectly circular; but the shape varied with the material; and from the 6th century downwards we hear of chasubles of brilliant colour and costly materials, such as silk or thickly-embroidered cloth of gold, and oval in form, hanging no longer in graceful folds as in the 11th century. The engraving (Fig.155) shows a chasuble of the year 1387. (ComparePænula,Planeta.)
Chatai, Hindoo. Mats, a common manufacture all over India. Those of Midnapore, near Calcutta, are remarkable for their fineness and classical design of the mosaic, like patterns of stained glass.
Chat-faux, Med. A wooden shed—modern scaffold. (SeeCagasuptus.)
Chatrang(Sanscritchatur-anga, the fourangasor soldiers; orchaturaji, the four kings). The Persian name for a very ancient game of the “Four Kings,” supposed to be the origin of the four suits of playing-cards. (Rev. E. S. Taylor, “History of Playing-cards.”)
Chatzozerah, Heb. A Jewish trumpet mentioned by Moses, used chiefly for religious and warlike occasions.
Chauffault, Old Fr. A tower of wood.
Chausses, O. E. (1) Pantaloons of mail used by the Danes. (2) Tight pantaloons worn by the Normans and mediæval English.
Chaussetrap.(SeeCaltraps.)
Chaussons, O. E. Breeches of mail (or of cloth).
Chavarina, Med. Lat. A carbine.
Checkere, O. E. A chess-board.
Checkstone, O. E. A game played by children with small round pebbles.
Checky, Her. (SeeChequée.)
Cheese, Chr. St. Augustine says that a sect called the Artotyrites offered bread andcheesein the Eucharist, saying “that the first oblations which were offered by men, in the infancy of the world, were of the fruits of the earth and of sheep.” (Aug. de Hæres.c. xlviii.)
Chef-d’œuvre, Fr. A work of the highest excellence.
Chekelatoun.(SeeCiclatoun.)
Chekere, O. E. Chess (q.v.).
Chele(χηλὴ, prob, from a rootχα-meaning cloven). This term is applied to a great variety of objects; it signifies a cloven foot, a hooked claw, or anything presenting a notched or serrated appearance. Thus a breakwater, the irregular projections of which bore some resemblance to the teeth of an immense saw, was also calledchêlê. There were, besides, various engines and machines which went under this name.
Chelidoniacus, sc.gladius(from the Greekχελιδὼν, a swallow). A broad-bladed sword with a double point like a swallow’s tail.
Chelidonize, Gr. (lit. to twitter like a swallow). Singing the “Swallow Song” (χελιδόνισμα), a popular song sung by the Rhodian boys in the month Boedromion, on the return of the swallows, and made into an opportunity for begging. A similar song is still popular in Greece. (Fauriel, “Chants de la Grèce.”) (SeeCoronize.)
Cheliform(χηλὴ, a claw). In the form of a claw.
Chelonium(a tortoise-shell, fromχελώνη, a tortoise), (1) A kind of cramp or collar placed at the extremities of the uprights of certain machines. (2) A part of a catapult, also calledpulvinus. (SeeCatapulta.)
Chelys(χέλυς, a tortoise). (1) The lyre of Mercury, formed of strings stretched across a tortoise-shell. (2) In the 16th and 17th centuries, a bass-viol and division-viol were each calledchelys. (See alsoTestudo.)
Chemise de Chartres, Fr. A kind of armour mentioned among the habiliments proper for knights who should engage in single combat. (Meyrick.)
Chenbele.(SeeCembel[hastilude].)
Cheng, Chinese. A musical instrument, consisting of a box or bowl, into which a series of tubes of different length and pitch are inserted; the tubes have holes in them to be played upon with the fingers.
Chêniscus(χὴν, a goose). An ornament placed at the bow, and sometimes the stern of ships. In shape it resembled the neck of a swan or goose.
Chequée,Checky, Her. Having the field divided into contiguous rows of small squares; alternately of a metal (or fur) and a colour.
Chequers, O. E. (SeeCheckstone.)
Cherub, pl.Cherubim, Heb. According to the classification of Dionysius, the firsthierarchyof Angels consists of threechoirscalledSeraphim,Cherubim, andThrones, and, receiving their glory immediately from Deity, transmit it to the second hierarchy. The first hierarchy are as councillors; the second as governors; the third as ministers. TheSeraphimare absorbed in perpetual love and worship round the throne; theCherubimknow and worship; theThronessustain the throne. TheSeraphimandCherubimare in general represented asheadsmerely with two or four or six wings, and of a bright red or blue colour, &c. (Cf.Mrs. Jameson’s Legendary Art.) (SeeAngels,Seraphim.Dominions, &c.)
Cherubic Hymn, Chr. A hymn sung in the Greek Church before the great entrance (seeEntrance); so called from its first words,οἱ τὰ χερουβὶμ μυστικῶς εἰκονίζοντες, κ.τ.λ.
Chesible, forChasuble(q.v.).
Chesnut Brown.A brown lake pigment prepared from the horse chesnut; very durable for oils and water-colour painting.
Chess.Writers immediately after the Conquest speak of the Saxons as playing at chess, which, they say, they learned from the Danes. The game of chess is very prominent in the romances of the Middle Ages. The Scandinavian navigators introduced some remarkable elaborately carved chessmen, of walrus ivory, from Iceland, in the 12th century. The castles are replaced by warriors on foot, calledhrokr, from the Saracenroc, Persianrokh, ourrook. In the Saracen game thevizierrepresented our queen, and theelephantour bishop, theroc, or hero, as aforesaid, our rook. Beautifully carved chessmen in the costumes of the 13th and 14th century exist in England. They were all very large, a king being four inches in height and seven in circumference. Thechess-boardswere of corresponding size, and made of all materials, including the precious metals, crystal, sapphires, and topazes. The pieces varied in form: the mediæval rook had a head like afleur-de-lis, the knight was represented by a small upright column with the upper part bent on one side. Theaufinor bishop was of the same shape, but the bent end was cleft to indicate a mitre. The figures of the 16th century much more nearly resemble those now in vogue.
Chesse, O. E. (Fr.chasse). A border, a circlet.
Chest of Viols, O. E. A set of instruments complete for a “consort” of viols, i. e. two trebles, two tenors, and two basses.
Chester, O. E. A person who places corpses in their coffins.
ChestsandCoffers, in Norman times, were adorned with elaborate carving and richly inlaid. They were still the general depositories for clothes and treasures.Cupboards(armoires) were introduced by the Normans, and filled with household utensils.
Chevalet, Fr. Thebridgeof a violin or other stringed instrument.
Cheval-traps.(SeeCaltraps.)
Chevaucheurs.Anglo-Norman horsemen, or running messengers.
Chevaux-de-frize.An arrangement of iron spikes for the defence of a battlement against assault.
Cheveril, O. E. Kid leather, proverbiallyelastic; hence, acheveril conscience(that will stretch).
Chevesaile, Old Fr. A necklace.
Chevetaine, Old Fr. A captain; hence the mediævalcheuptanus.
Chevron.(1) Arch. One of the mouldings frequently used in Norman architecture, usually calledzigzag(q.v.). (2) A badge on the coatsleeve of a non-commissioned officer. (3) Her. One of the ordinaries; the lower half of aSaltire(q.v.).
Chevronel, Her. A diminutive of theChevron, of half the size.
Chevroter, Fr. A musical term: “to skip, quiver, to sing with uncertain tone, after the manner of goats,”alla vibrato.
Chiaroscuro, It. (chiaro, light, andoscuro, dark). Light and shade.
Chiaveof Pavia. One of the Italian literary academies, composed entirely of noble and illustrious persons, who wore a golden key suspended round the neck, and had for a motto,Clauditur et aperitur liberis, and the text from Rev. iii. 7.
Chica.A dance popular in Spanish South America, of ajig-like character; the origin of theFandango. (SeeChaconne.)
Chief, Her. One of the ordinaries; thechiefbounded by a horizontal line contains the uppermost third of the field of a shield.In chief, arranged horizontally across the upper part of the field.
Childermas, O. E. Innocents’ Day.
Chilled(Fr.chancissure). Said of a moisture on the varnish of a picture by which the defect of cloudiness calledBloomingis caused.
Chimæra, Gr. A monster described by Homer, with a lion’s head, a goat’s body, and a dragon’s tail. In Christian art it is a symbol of cunning. (See alsoDog of Fo.)
Chime.(1) To play bells by swinging thehammers, opposed toringingby swinging thebells. (2) A chime of bells is aCarillon.
Chimere, Chr. The outer dress of a Protestant bishop. It is made of black satin, without sleeves.
Chimneys(Gr.χιμήνη, winter), carried up in the massive walls of the castles, were first introduced into England by the Normans. The fire was still piled up in the middle of the hall, but fireplaces were built against the side walls in the more private apartments—the original of the well-known mediæval fireplace and “chymené.” Leland, in his account of Bolton Castle, which was “finiched or Kynge Richard the 2 dyed,” notices thechimneys: “One thynge I muche notyd in the hawle of Bolton, how chimeneys were conveyed by tunnells made on the syds of the walls, betwyxt the lights in the hawle, and by this means, and by no covers, is the smoke of the harthe in the hawle wonder strangely conveyed.”
Chin-band,Chin-cloth. A muffler of lace worn by ladies,temp.Charles I.
China.(SeePottery.)
China(orChinese)Ink. (SeeIndian Ink.)
Chinese Paper.A fine absorbent paper of a yellowish tint, used for proofs of engravings, &c. Japanese paper is now frequently preferred.
Chinese White.Oxide of Zinc(q.v.). It is moreconstantthan white lead.
Chinny-mumps.A Yorkshire music made by rapping the chin with the knuckles.
ChintsorChintz(Hindoo,chhint, spotted cotton cloth). Cotton cloth printed in more than two colours.
Chiramaxium, Gr. and R. (χειρ-αμάξιον, i. e. hand-cart). An invalid’s chair mounted upon two wheels, and drawn or pushed by slaves.
Chiridota, Gr. and R. (from adj.χειριδωτὸς, i. e. lit. having sleeves). Tunics with long sleeves, worn in especial by the Asiatic races and by theCelts. The early Britons, before the Roman invasion, wore close coats checkered with various colours in divisions, open before and withlong close sleeves to the wrist.
Chirimia, Sp. (fromchirimoya, a pear). An oboe.
Chirography. The art of writing with hands.
Chirology. The art of talking with the hands.
Chiromancy(μάντις, a soothsayer). Divination from the lines of the palms of the hands.
Chironomia, Gr. and R. (χειρο-νομία, i. e. measured motion of the hands). The mimetic art. By this term is expressed not only the art of speaking with gestures and by means of the hands, but also the action of speaking combined with gesticulation. This art dates from a high antiquity. It was originally part of the art of dancing,—clapping the hands in rhythm; also a gymnastic exercise, for pugilists and others.
Chiroplast.An instrument for teaching fingering of musical instruments, invented by Logier in 1810.
Chirothecæ(Gr.χειροθήκη; Lat.gantus). Gloves were unknown to the early Greeks and Romans, but in use among the ancient Persians. In Christian archæology they are first met with in the 12th century. (SeeGloves.)
Chisleu, Heb. The ninth month of the Jewish year. It begins with the new moon of our December.
Fig. 157. Diana wearing the Greek chiton.
Fig. 157. Diana wearing the Greek chiton.
Fig. 157. Diana wearing the Greek chiton.
Chiton(χιτών). The Greek tunic. (Fig.157.)
Chitte, O. E. A sheet.
Chivachirs(Chevaucheurs). Old Fr. Running messengers.
Chlaina(Lat.læna). A kind of cloak, of ample size, worn by the Greeks in campaigning. In time of peace it served as a bed coverlet. The diminutiveχλανίδιονappears to have been a woman’s mantle.
Chlamyda.(SeeChlamys.)
Fig. 158. Apollo wearing the chlamys folded round his arm.
Fig. 158. Apollo wearing the chlamys folded round his arm.
Fig. 158. Apollo wearing the chlamys folded round his arm.
Fig. 159.
Fig. 159.
Fig. 159.
Chlamys, Gr. A short light mantle, which was worn by Greek youths (not by Romans) until they arrived at manhood. It was the regular equestrian costume, and was of an oblong square shape. (Fig.159.) The chlamys is seen in representations of men hunting or fighting with beasts, as a shield wrapped round the left arm, the right poising the spear. (Fig.158.) In Botany, the floral envelope.
Chœnix(χοῖνιξ). A Greek measure of capacity, variously valued from a pint and half to two quarts.
Choir,Quire, orQuere, Arch. The part of the church for the singers andclerks, i. e. the space between theNAVE(for the people), and theBEMA, or presbytery, for the celebrating clergy. But in mediæval writings the term includes theBEMA. (SeeChancel.)
Choir WallorChoir Screen(Fr.clôture). The wall or screen between the side aisles and the choir.
Choosing-stick(a Somersetshire provincialism). A divining-rod.
Chopines, It. Clogs or high shoes, of Asiatic origin, introduced from Venice in the 16th century.
Choragic Monuments.Small pedestals or shrines erected by the winner of a choral contest to display thetripodwhich was his prize. At Athens there was a street lined with such monuments, called the “Street of the Tripods.” The Choragic Monument of Lysicrates, still existing in Athens, is one of the most valuable remains of Greek architecture.
Choragium, Gr. and R. (χορηγὸς, or chorus-leader). A large space in a theatre, situated behind the stage. It was here that the “properties” were kept and the rehearsals of the chorus took place. The term is also used to denote the furniture, costumes, decorations, and, in a word, all the accessories required in the production of a piece.
Chordaulodion.A self-acting musical instrument invented by Kauffmann of Dresden in 1812.
Chorea, Gr. and R. (χορὸς, q.v.). A choral dance, in which the dancers took each other by the hand and danced to the sound of their own voices.
Chorus, Gr. and R. (χορὸς, i. e. prop. a circle). (1) A choir of singers in a dramatic entertainment. (2) A band of dancers who went through their movements to the sound of their own singing. (3) A round choral dance; in this last significationchoreamay equally well be used.
ChorusorChoron, O. E. An instrument somewhat resembling a bagpipe; the name was also applied to certain stringed instruments. The wordchoronoriginally designated a horn. (Hebrew,Keren.)
Chous, Gr. and R. (χόος, contr.χοῦς, i. e. that from which one pours). An amphora, forming a measure of exact capacity. Another name for it wasCongius(q.v.). It held twelveCotylæ(q.v.).
Choutara, Hindoo. A kind of guitar with four wire strings.
Chrism, Chr. (fromχρίω, to smear). A composition of balsam and oil of olives used by Christians of various denominations at the administration of the sacraments.
Chrismal,Chrismatory, Chr. (1) The vessel made to contain the consecrated oil. (SeeLabarum.) (2) A vessel for the reservation of the consecrated Host. (3) A cloth used to cover relics. (4) Old Englishchrisom, a white linen cloth put upon the child’s head in baptism. (SeeFont-cloth.)
Chrismarium, Chr. (SeeChrismal, 1.)
Chrisom.O. E. (1) SeeChrismal, 4. (2) A child that dies within a month after birth.
Christ-cross, O. E. (1) The Alphabet; so named from a school lesson beginning “Christe Crosse me spede in alle my worke.” (2) The mark made for his signature by a person who cannot write.
Christemporeia, Chr. Literally, the selling of Christ, simony.
Christian Horses, O. E. Bearers of sedan chairs.
Christmas-boxes.So called from the old practice of collecting them in boxes.
Chromatic Scale(χρῶμα, colour). In Music, the scale that proceeds by semi-tones; so called from the practice of printing the intermediate notes in various colours.
Chromatics.The science of colours.
Chromatrope.An optical instrument for assisting the invention of combinations of colours.
Chrome, Chromium.An important mineral, the green oxide of which furnishes theChrome Green.
Chrome Green.A dark green pigment prepared from oxide of chromium; mixed with Prussian blue and chrome yellow it is calledGreen Cinnabar.
Chrome Ochre.Oxide of chromium of a fine yellowish green.
Chrome Red.A chromate of lead; a durable pigment used in oil painting. (SeeRed Lead.)
Chrome Yellow.A chromate of lead, which makes a bad pigment for oil painting. It is very poisonous and not durable; when mixed with white lead it turns to a dirty grey. As a water-colour pigment it is less objectionable.
Chromite.Chromate of iron; a mineral consisting of protoxide of iron and oxide of chromium, used in the preparation of various pigments.
Chronogram(χρόνος, time). An inscription which includes in it the date of an event.
Chryselephantine Statuesof ivory and gold. The most celebrated were that ofMinerva, by Pheidias, which stood in the Acropolis at Athens, and was 40 English feet in height; and that of Zeus, 45 feet high, likewise by Pheidias, in the temple of Olympia. A reproduction of this statue was shown in the Paris Exhibition of 1855.
Chrysendeta, R. (χρυσένδετα, i. e. set or inlaid with gold). A very costly description of plate-service employed by wealthy Romans. Of its precise character nothing unfortunately is known, but to judge from the epigrams of certain authors, it must have been chased and embossed.
Chrysoberyl(βήρυλλος, a beryl). A gem of a yellowish green colour; a species ofcorundum(q.v.).
Chryso-clavus(Lat.golden nail-head). All rich purple silks, woven or embroidered with theclavusin gold, were so named. They were used for altar frontals, and theclaviwere sometimes made so large that a subject was embroidered upon them; they were then calledsigillataorsealed. (SeeClavus.)
ChrysocollaorGold Green(χρυσόκολλος, inlaid or soldered with gold). (1) Native verdigris. Its principal use was for the preparation of a solder for gold. (SeeSanterna.) (2) The Greek term forGreen VerditerandArmenian Green(Latin,Armenium); a pigment obtained frommalachiteand green carbonate of copper. It was also calledpea greenorgrass-green.
Chthonia, Gr. and R. (χθὼν, the earth). Festivals held every spring at Argos in honour of Ceres, at which four aged women sacrificed heifers.
Church, in Christian art, is the attribute of a founder thereof, who is frequently represented holding it in his hand. The most ancient symbol of the Church is theark of Noah, subsequently aship, often covered with the waves, &c., very frequent in the catacombs. On tombs it is held to imply that the dead expired in full communion with the Church.
Churcheard,Church-haw,Church-litten. Old English provincialisms for a churchyard or burial-ground.
Church-stile, O. E. A pulpit.
Chymbe, O. E. A cymbal:—
“As achymbeor a brazen belle,That nouther can undirstonde my telle.”
“As achymbeor a brazen belle,That nouther can undirstonde my telle.”
“As achymbeor a brazen belle,That nouther can undirstonde my telle.”
“As achymbeor a brazen belle,
That nouther can undirstonde my telle.”
Chymol,Gemell, O. E. A hinge, still called the eastern counties a “gimmer.”
Chytra, Gr. and R. (fromχέω, to pour). A common kind of pot, of Greek origin, made with red clay. It was used for cooking.
Chytria, Gr. An Athenian festival, which derived its name from theχύτρα, or common pot in which were cooked the vegetables or other provisions offered to Bacchus and Mercury in memory of the dead.
Chytropus,Chytropous, Gr. (χυτρό-πους, lit. a pot-foot). Achytrawith three or four feet.
Cibilla. (SeeCilliba.)
Ciborium, Gr., R., and Chr. (κιβώριον, the pod of theκαλοκασία, or Egyptian bean). (1) A drinking-vessel so called because it resembled the Egyptian bean in shape. (2) In Christian archæology a kind of baldachino or canopy, supported by a varying number of columns, which forms the covering of the high altar in a church. Called also theTabernacle,Sacrament house,God’s house, orholyroof. (SeeSeverey.) (3) Ciborium also signifies a vessel in which the consecrated wafer is “reserved.”
CiclatounorSiklatoun. The Persian name, adopted in England, for a textile of real gold thread; 12th century.
Ciconia, R. (lit. a stork). (1) A sign made in dumb show by bending the forefinger into the form of a stork’s neck. (2) An instrument, in shape like an inverted T, employed by farmers to make sure that trenches dug by the spade were of uniform depth. (3)Ciconia compositawas the name given to a more elaborate instrument of the same kind invented by Columella.
Cicuta, R. (i. e. lit. the hemlock). A term used by analogy to denote anything made out of the hemlock plant, especially thePan’s pipes.
Cidaris, Gen. (κίδαριςorκίταρις, a Persian tiara). A sort of diadem or royal bonnet worn by Eastern princes. It was tall, straight and stiff in shape, and was ornamented with pearls or precious stones. The same name was also applied to the bonnet worn at ceremonies by the high priest of the Jews. (SeeTiara.)
Cilery, Arch. Drapery or foliage carved on the heads of columns.
Cilibantum, R. (SeeCilliba.) A stand or table with three legs.
Cilicium, R. (1) A coarse cloth made of goat’s hair, and manufactured in Cilicia. It was much used in the army and navy: in the former for making the soldiers’ tents; in the latter for clothes for the sailors or for sails. (2) During the time of mourning, or when suffering under any calamity, the Jews put on a kind ofciliciummade of coarse canvas. (3) A cloth mattress stuffed with sea-weed or cow-hair, which was placed outside the walls of besieged cities to deaden the blows of the battering-ram or of projectiles. (4) In Christian archæology theciliciumor hair-shirt is a sleeveless jacket made with a material of horsehair and coarse hemp. The Dominicans, Franciscans, and certain Carthusians wear theciliciumto mortify the flesh.
Cilliba, Gr. and R. (κίλλος, an ass) A trestle, and by analogy a dining-table supported by trestles. This form of table, which was commonly used by the early Romans, was replaced later on by the circular table.
Cimbal.An old name for theDulcimer(q.v.).
Cimeter,Cymetar,Scimeter, &c. A short curved sword used by the Persians or Turks, mentioned by Meyrick as adopted by the Hussars,temp.Elizabeth.
Cincinnus, R. A long ringlet or corkscrew curl of hair produced with the curling-irons. (SeeHair.)
Cincticulus, R. (dimin. ofCinctus, q.v.). A kind of short petticoat worn by youths.
Cinctorium, R. (fromcinctus, a girdle). (1) A sword-belt worn round the waist, and thus distinguished from theBalteusor baldric, which passed over the shoulder. Thebalteuswas worn by private soldiers, while thecinctoriumwas the distinctive badge of an officer. (2) The dagger, so called because it was suspended from or put into the girdle.
Cincture, Arch. The fillet, at each end of the shaft of a classical column (q.v.).
Cinctus, R. (fromcingo, i. e. a girding). A short petticoat (or kilt) worn by men; also in the same sense ascingulaand cingulum, agirdle.Cinctus gabinuswas a particular manner of arranging the toga, by throwing one end over the head, and fastening the other round the waist like a girdle. As an adjective,cinctuswas applied to any individual of either sex who wore any kind of belt or girdle. (SeeDiscinctus.)
Fig. 160. Cineraria.
Fig. 160. Cineraria.
Fig. 160. Cineraria.
Cinerarium, R. (i. e. a place of ashes). A niche in a tomb, sufficiently roomy to hold an urn of large size, or a sarcophagus. The following was the disposition of one, or in many cases, three sides in a Roman tomb: in the centre of the wall was a large niche (cinerarium medianum) for a sarcophagus, and on each side of this two small niches (columbaria), and above each of the latter was a much larger recess for large urns. (See alsoColumbarium,Cubiculum,Cupella.)
Cinerarius.A hair-dresser (who heated his tongs in thecinders).
Cingulum, R. A girdle or other fastening round the waist. In modern archæology,cingulo militari decoraresignifies to create a knight, from the practice of investing him with the military girdle; andcingulum militare auferreis to degrade a knight. (SeeDiscinctus.)
Ciniflo, R. A synonym forCinerarius(q.v.).
Cinnabar.Sulphide of mercury; an ancient red pigment used for sacred and imperial purposes. (SeeChrome Green,Dragon’s Blood,Vermilion.)
Cinnamon-stone.A variety of lime-garnet of a clear cinnamon-brown tint.
Cinque-cento(literally, 500). The Italian art of the 16th century.
Fig. 161. Heraldic Cinque-foil.
Fig. 161. Heraldic Cinque-foil.
Fig. 161. Heraldic Cinque-foil.
Cinque-foil, Arch. (Fr.cinqueandfeuille, a leaf). An ornamental foliation or feathering of the lanceolated style, consisting of five projecting points or cusps. (Fig.161.)
Cinta, Med. Lat. (Fr.enceinte). The outside wall of a fortress.
Cinyra.An old term for a harp.
Fig. 162. Cippus (Tomb-stone).
Fig. 162. Cippus (Tomb-stone).
Fig. 162. Cippus (Tomb-stone).
Cippus, R. (1) A short stone pillar of cylindrical form, employed to mark the boundaries between adjoining estates or nations. (2) A pillar of cylindrical or rectangular form, and sometimes perfectly plain, sometimes richly ornamented, erected for a tomb-stone. (Fig.162.) In some instances the cippus enclosed a cavity in which the urn containing the ashes of the dead person might be placed. Acippuswas placed at the corner of a cemetery, and the measurements of the burying-ground were recorded upon it. In Med. Lat. the word is used for the keep of the castle.
Circenses Ludi, R. Games in the circus. (SeeConsualia.)
Circinate.Curled in the manner of the Ionic volute, or like the fronds of young ferns rolled inwards from the summit to the base.
Circinus, R. A compass; an instrument employed, as now, by architects, sculptors, masons, and various other trades. The Romans were also acquainted with reduction compasses.
Circle.The emblem of Heaven and eternity.
Circumlitio.An ancient Greek varnish, with which the statues of the Greeks were tinted. (Eastlake.)
Circumpotatio, R. (fromcircumandpoto, i. e. a drinking-around). A funeral feast in which the guests passed round the wine from hand to hand. It took place at the tomb of the person in whose memory it was held, and on the anniversary of his death.
Circumvallation.A fortification made round a blockaded place by a besieging army.
Fig. 163. Model of a Roman Circus.
Fig. 163. Model of a Roman Circus.
Fig. 163. Model of a Roman Circus.
Circus, Gr. and R. (i. e. a circle). A flat open space near a city, round which were raised scaffoldings for the accommodation of the spectators. This was the form of the earliest circuses; but as civilization advanced, they were regularly constructed of stone. The arena was in the form of a vast rectangle terminating at one extremity in a semicircle, and surrounded by tiers of seats for the spectators. At the end fronting the semicircular part was a rectangular pile of buildings, underneath which were thecarceresor stalls for the horses, and down the centre of the circus ran a long low wall called thespina, adorned with statues, obelisks, &c. Thisspinaformed a barrier by which the circus was divided into two distinct parts, and at each end of it was ametaor goal, round which the chariots turned. (SeeMetaandOvum.) The Romans constructed circuses in England, wherever they had a large encampment. The ruins exist at Dorchester, Silchester, Richborough, and other places.
Cirrus, R. (1) A lock of hair; a ringlet curling naturally, and so distinguished from thecincinnus, a curl produced by means of the curling-iron. (2) A tuft; the forelock of a horse when tied up above its ears. (3) A tuft of flowers forming a bunch or head, such asphlox,calceolaria, &c. (4) Lightcurledclouds in the sky, portending wind, are hence calledcirri.
Ciselure, Fr. Chasing. (SeeCælatura.)
CissibiumorCissybium, Gr. and R. (κισσύβιον, i. e. made or wreathed with ivy). A drinking-vessel, so called because the handle was made of ivy-wood, or more probably because it had an ivy-wreath carved upon it.
Cissoid(lit. ivy-shaped). A celebrated curve, applied in the trisection of an angle, invented by Diocles the geometer.
Cissotomiæ, Gr. (κισσο-τόμοι, sc.ἡμέραι, i. e. the days of ivy-cutting). A festival held in Greece, in honour of Hebe, goddess of youth, and a youth called Cissos, who, when dancing with Bacchus, had fallen down and been changed into ivy. Accordingly at this festival youths and girls danced with their heads wreathed with ivy.
Cista,Cistella,Sitella, R. (κίστη, a chest). (1) A large wicker-work basket in which the voters deposited their voting-tablets at the comitia. It was of a cylindrical shape, and about four or five feet high. (2) A smaller basket into which the judges cast the tablets recording their sentence. (3) A wicker-work basket in which children carried about their playthings. (4) The cist which was carried in procession at the Eleusinian festival, and which might be either a wicker basket or a box of metal. It was filled with corn, rice, sesame, salt, and pomegranates. Richly ornamented chests or boxes, with bronze mirrors in them, found among Etruscan ruins, are calledcistæ mysticæ. Thesitella, orsitula, was a different vessel; viz. abucketof water, into which the lots (sortes) were thrown. The situla had a narrow neck, so that only one lot could come to the surface when it was shaken. It was also calledUrnaorOrca.
Cistella, R. A dulcimer;lit.a little box. (SeeCista.)
Cistellula, R. (dimin. ofCista, q.v.). A very smallcista.
Cistophorus, Egyp., Gr., and R. (κιστοφόρος, i. e. bearing acistaorcistus). A silver coin, current in Asia, and worth about four drachmæ. It was so called from bearing the impression of acista(chest), or, more probably, of the shrubcistus. [Value four francs of French money.]
Cistula, R. Dimin. ofCista(q.v.).
Citadel(It.cittadella, a little town). A fortress within a city.
Cithara,Cither, Gr. and R. (κιθάρα). A stringed instrument of great antiquity, resembling our modern guitar. It was played with aplectrum. The name was afterwards applied to many stringed instruments of varied form, power of sound, and compass. The mediævalRottawas calledC. teutonica; the harp was calledC. Anglica.
Cithara Bijuga.A guitar with a double neck.
Citole, O. E. A kind of guitar.