Chapter 18

Fig. 168. Clavichord—18th century.Clavichord.A stringed instrument in the form of a spinet. (Fig.168.) (SeeClarichord.)

Fig. 168. Clavichord—18th century.

Clavichord.A stringed instrument in the form of a spinet. (Fig.168.) (SeeClarichord.)

Clavicula.Dimin. ofClavis(q.v.).

Clavier.Of a musical instrument, the key-board.

Clavis, R. A key. Theclavis clausawas a small key without a neck or lever;clavis laconica, a key of Egyptian invention, having three teeth;clavis adultera, a false key;clavis trochi, a curved stick made of iron and having a hook at the end, which was used by Greek and Roman boys for trundling their hoops.

Clavius.A walled plain in the moon, more than a hundred miles in diameter.

ClavulareorClabulare, R. A large open cart used for carrying provisions, especiallydolia(casks) filled with wine. The body of the carriage was formed by a wooden trellis-work (clavulæ)—whence its name—and was of a semi-cylindrical shape, adapted to accommodate wine barrels.

Clavus, R. A nail. In Christian archæology, a purple hem or band applied as an ornament to a dress, which was then calledvestis clavata. (SeeChryso-clavus.)

Claymore(Gaelic,claidheamb, a sword, andmor, great). The highland broadsword.

Clechée, Her. (SeeUndée.) A variety of the heraldic cross.

CleforCliff, Music. A figure indicating the pitch to be adopted for the key-note of a piece of music; an invention of the 13th century.

Clepsydra, Gen. (κλεψ-ύδρα, i. e. a stealing-away of water). A water-clock, and by analogy an hour-glass orsand-clock. Theclepsydrawas used as an hour-glass in the courts of justice at Athens, to measure out the time allowed to each orator.

Clerestory.(SeeClaire-voie.)

Cleystaffe, O. E. A pastoral staff.

Clibanus, R. (1) A basket used for baking bread; the bread itself, when thus baked, being calledclibanicius. (2) Med. Lat. A short hauberk, which the later Greeks calledκλίβανον, because it covered the breast. (Meyrick.) (3) Med. Lat. A tower.

Clicket, O. E. A key.

“With hisclicketDamian hath opened this wicket.” (Chaucer.)

“With hisclicket

Damian hath opened this wicket.” (Chaucer.)

Cliff.(SeeClef.)

Clipeolum.Dimin. ofClipeus(q.v.).

Fig. 169. Clipeus.

ClipeusandClipeum, R. (akin toκαλύπτω, to cover or conceal). A large broad shield of circular shape and concave on the inside. It was of great weight, and formed part of the special equipment of the cavalry. The originalclipeus Argolicuswas circular, and often likened to the sun: in Roman sculpture it is often oval. The outer rim was termedantyx; thebossin the centre,omphalos, orumbo; a leather strap for the arm,telamon. It was replaced, subsequently, by theScutum(q.v.). Fig.169is an ornamented bronzeclipeus, thought to be Gaulish. This term also serves to denote (1) a shield of metal or marble which was employed as an ornament (Fig.170represents an ornamental shield, such as was placed on the frieze of a building, and especially in the metopes of the Doric entablature); and (2) an apparatus employed in thelaconicum(q.v.) to regulate the temperature. In the illustration toCaldariuma slave may be seen pulling the chains of theclipeus.

Fig. 170. Ornamental Clipeus.

Fig. 171. Cloaca Maxima at Rome.

Cloaca, R. (fromcluo, i. e. the cleanser). A subterranean sewer or canal constructed of masonry. TheCloaca Maxima, or Main Sewer of Rome, was constructed by the elder Tarquin to drain a marsh lying at the foot of the Palatine and Capitoline Hills. Fig.171represents one of its mouths. It was formed of three tiers of arches, the innermost being fourteen feet in diameter.

Clocks, O. E., “are the gores of a ruff, the laying in of the cloth to make it round, the plaites;” also ornaments on stockings and on hoods.

Clog-almanacks.The Anglo-Saxons calculated by the phases of the moon, set down on square pieces of wood, a foot or two long. Theseclogsare still common in Staffordshire. (Cf.Plott’s History of Staffordshire;Gough’s Camden’s Britannia, ii. 379.)

Cloish, orClosh, O. E. A kind of ninepins played with a ball. (Strutt, p. 202.) Cf.Club-kayles.

Cloisonné.A form of enamelling by incrustation, in which the pattern is raised by strips of metal or wire welded on.

Fig. 173. Cloisters in the Church of Mont St. Michel.

Cloister, Chr. (from Lat.claustrum, q.v.). A kind of court or quadrangle surrounded by a covered way, and having much analogy to theatriumof a Roman house. The cloister was an essential appendage to an abbey. One of its sides was usually bounded by the church, with which it easily communicated. The walls of the cloisters were often adorned with frescoes, and the court was occasionally planted with trees, the centre being occupied by a fountain. A monastery was often called acloister. The sides of the cloister were anciently termed thePanesof it, and the walks its alleys or deambulatories. (Fig.173.)

Cloister Garth.The quadrangular space enclosed by the cloisters. Thecloister garthat Chichester is still called theParadise, and that at Chester theSprisegarden. (SeeParadise,Sprise.)

Close, Her. With closed wings.

Close-gauntlets.Gauntlets with immovable fingers.

Closet, Her. A diminution of theBAR, one half its width.

Cloths of Estate.Costly embroidered hangings for the canopy of a throne.

Clouée, Her. Fastened with nails, and showing the nail-heads.

Clouts.Old name for kerchiefs.

Clown, in pantomime.Harlequinis Mercury, theClownMomus, and the painted face and wide mouth taken from the ancient masks;Pantaloonis Charon, andColumbinePsyche. (Clarke’s Travels, viii. 104–7.)

Club, Gr. and R. (Gr.φάλαγξ). This weapon being used in close fight gave its name to the compact body of troops so called. The Scythians united it with the mace, both being spiked.Ducangementions thevulgastus, a crooked club; theplumbata, loaded with lead, thespontonuswith iron. In the army of Charles I. rustics untrained were called clubmen. (SeeClava.)

Club-kayles, O. E. Skittles played with a club, instead of a ball. (SeeCloish.)

Clubs, at cards, are the ancienttrèfles, the trefoil or clover-plant. (SeeTrefle.)

Cluden, Gr. and R. A sword, the blade of which was contrived to recede into the handle. It was used for theatrical representations.

Fig. 174. Clunaculum.

Clunaculum, R. (1) A dagger so called because it was worn at the back; “quia ad clunes pendet,” as Festus says. (2) The sacrificial knife with which the victim was ripped up. The dagger represented in Fig.174, taken from the arch of Carpentras, was probably a Gaulishclunaculum.

Fig. 172. Clustered column in Nave of Wells Cathedral.

Clustered Column, Arch. A pier formed of a congeries of columns or shafts clustered together, either attached or detached. It is also called aCompound Pier. Fig.172is a specimen from Wells Cathedral.

Clypeate.Shaped like a shield.

Cnopstara.A weapon used by the Caledonians; a ball filled with pieces of metal swung at the heads of their lances, to frighten cavalry.

Coa Vestis, or simplyCoa(i. e. the Coan robe). A very fine robe [made of silk, spun inCos], of such light texture as to be almost transparent. It was worn byhetairaiand singing and dancing girls, &c.

Coactilis, sc.lana(fromcogo, i. e. that which is forced together). A kind of felted cloth made of wool closely pressed together. It formed a texture analogous to our felt. Another name for it wascoactus.

Coalas an ancient pigment was used both in water-colours and in oil; it furnishes a brownish tint. “The shadows of flesh are well rendered by pit-coal, which should not be burnt.” (De Mayerne.)

Coassatio(fromcoasso, to join planks together). A general term for planks joined together, such as the flooring of a room, the top of a table, the deck of a ship, the roadway of a wooden bridge, &c. (SeeConstratum.)

Fig. 175. Coat Armour.

Fig. 176. Coat Armour. Devices on shield.

Coat Armour, Med. Embroidery of heraldic devices upon costume; hence a term for heraldry in general. (Figs. 175 and 176.)

Coat Cards, O. E. Court cards and tens, so named from thecoat armourworn by the figures.

Cob.Irish name of a Spanish coin formerly current in Ireland; value about 4s.8d.

Cobalt.A metal found in various combinations, from which various colouring matters are obtained of great use in the arts.Cobalt blue, a beautiful blue pigment, is obtained by mixing a salt of pure cobalt with a solution of pure alum, precipitating the liquid by an alkaline carbonate, washing the precipitate with care, drying and igniting it strongly. A fine green, known asRinmann’s green, is similarly prepared. The chloride, the nitrate, and the sulphate of cobalt formsympathetic inks, which only become visible when the moisture is absorbed by the application of heat. From phosphate of cobalt a beautiful blue pigment is produced, calledThenard’s blue. It is said to have all the characters of ultramarine. Oxide of cobalt has the property of colouring glass blue; hence a glass formed of this oxide under the name ofsmaltis the blue colouring matter used for ornamenting porcelain and earthenware, for staining glass, for painting on enamel, &c.

Cobalt-bloom.(SeeErythrine.)

Cobbards, O. E. The irons supporting a spit.

Cob-wall, Arch. A wall formed of unburned clay mixed with straw.

Cochineal.(SeeCarmine.)

Cochineal Lakes.(SeeCarminated Lakes.)

Cochlea(κοχλίας, i. e. a snail with spiral shell). Any object of spiral shape, like a screw; and so a worm and screw as a mechanical power in oil-, wine-, &c. presses; the “Archimedean Screw,” or “water-snail” for raising water; the revolving door through which the wild beasts were let out into the amphitheatre; and other contrivances similar to the Italianruota, by which persons can be introduced through a wall without opening a door; also a spiral staircase, &c.

Cochlear,Cochleare(fromκόχλος, a shell-fish). (1) A spoon having at one extremity a sharp point, and at the other a sort of small bowl. (2) A measure of capacity of very small size.

Cochlearium, R. A pond or nursery for fattening snails for the table. (English “cockles.”)

Cochlis, sc.columna(κοχλὶς, i. e. lit. a snail). A hollow monumental column, the interior of which was fitted with a cockle or spiral staircase, like the “Monument” of London.

Cock.In Christian art, the emblem of St. Peter, and of watchfulness.

Cockatrice.In Christian art, the emblem of sin; attribute of St. Vitus. (Her.: see the illustration toBasilisk.)

Cock-bead, Arch. A bead which projects from the surface of the timber on both sides.

Cockers, O. E. Ploughmen’s laced boots.

Cocket, O. E. A seal formerly attached to goods which had paid customs dues. Ancientcocketsbear such inscriptions on them as “God willing,” “If God please,” &c.

Cockle-stairs, O. E. Winding stairs. (Cf.Cochlea.)

Coctilis,Cocta,Coctus, R. (prepared by fire).Later coctiliswas a brick hardened artificially by fire, in contradistinction to one dried in the sun;murus coctilis, a wall built of hardened bricks. (SeeAcapna.)

Cocurra, Med. Lat. A quiver.

Cocytia(fromΚωκυτὸς, the river of weeping). A festival held in honour of Proserpine, who had been carried off by Pluto. The latter, as king of the infernal regions, included in his sway the river Cocytus. The Cocytus and Acheron, two rivers of Epirus, remarkable for unwholesome and muddy water, and subterranean currents, were hence called the rivers of Hell. “Cocytia virgo” was Alecto, one of the Furies.

Cod, Scotch. A pillow (alsopod).

Codex(caudex, the trunk of a tree). (1) A blank book for writing in, consisting of thin tablets of wood covered with wax; the term thus came to meancode, that is, a book containing laws, since these were inscribed in a book, the leaves of which were composed of thin leaves of wood. When parchment or paper was introduced, the term was still applied; and hence, later, became appropriate to any code of laws, e. g. the Gregorian, Theodosian, Justinian, &c. (2) An early manuscript book, such as the Codex of the Greek New Testament and of “Virgil” in the Vatican. (3) The term was also applied to the heavy logs attached to the feet of slaves; these were of various shapes, sometimes even serving the purpose of a seat.

Codicillus(dimin. ofCodex, q.v.). A small book, or small leaves of wood covered with wax. The pluralcodicillidenoted a number of such sheets put together so as to form a sort of memorandum-book for taking rough notes. Any supplemental note made on the margin of the leaves composing a will, or added to them, was also calledcodicillus(codicil).

Codon(Gr.κώδων). A bell; the bell of a trumpet; a trumpet with a bell-mouth.

Cod-piece(from O. E. “cod,” a pillow or stuffed cushion; Fr.braguette); introducedtemp.Henry VIII. An appendage to the taces over the os pubis, copied in the armour of the period. It continued in use to the end of Elizabeth’s reign.

Cœlum.In Architecture, that part of a building which was placed over any other part, and so a ceiling, or soffit.

Cœmeterium,Cemetery, Chr. (κοιμητήριον, fromκοιμάω, i. e. a sleeping-place; Latdormitorium). This term is an exclusively Christian one; it signifies a field of rest or refuge; the last resting-place of man. (SeeHypogæum.)

Cœna(from Sanscr.khad-, to eat). The principal meal among the Romans, consisting of several courses termed respectivelyprima,alteraorsecunda,tertia,quarta cœna. The hour at which thecœnatook place varied with the habits of the master of the house, but it was usually about four or five o’clock. It was the third meal of the day, being preceded by thejentaculum(breakfast), and themerendaorprandium(luncheon or early dinner). The corresponding Greek meal was calleddeipnon, which closed with a libation to Zeus; after which the drinking party that remained was calledSymposium. (SeeLast Supper.)

Cœnaculum.In early times this term was used for theTriclinium(q.v.); later on it came to mean the upper stories of houses inhabited by the poor, our attic or garret. In the plural,cœnaculadenotes the whole suite of rooms on the upper story of a house, andcœnacula meritoriasuch apartments let out on hire.

Cœnatio, likecœnaculum, a dining-room situated upstairs. It thus differed from theTriclinium(q.v.), which was a dining-room on the ground floor; the former was used in winter, the latter in summer. Thecœnatio, ordiæta, was a very magnificent apartment. Nero had one in his golden palace, constructed like a theatre, with a change of scenery for every course.

Cœnatoria,Cœnatoriæ Vestes. The garments worn by the Romans at the dinner-table.

Cœnobium(κοινό-βιον, i. e. a life in common). A monastery; a convent of monks who lived in common.

Cœur,Carreau,Pique, andTrèfle. The four French suits of cards, corresponding with our Hearts, Diamonds, Spades, and Clubs, probably introduced in the reign of Charles VII. of France (15th century). (Taylor.) Cœur is sometimes derived fromChœur. (SeeCoppeandChatrang.)

“The hearts are the ecclesiastics, whose place is in thechoir; the pike the military, &c.” (Menestrier.)

Coffer.(SeeArca.) (1) In Architecture, a sunken panel in a ceiling or soffit. (2) A chest.

Cognizance, Her. Synonym forBadge.

Cogware, O. E. A coarse narrow cloth like frieze; 16th century.

Cohors,Cohort, R. A body of infantry forming the tenth part of a legion. The number of men composing a cohort varied at different periods between 300 and 600 men, according to the numerical strength of the legion. The first cohort of a legion was called a military cohort; the prætorian cohort formed the general’s body-guard, while to the city cohort was entrusted the protection of the city. The term was sometimes, though very rarely, applied to a squadron of cavalry.

CoiforQuoif. A close hood.

Coif de Fer,Coiffette. A skull-cap of iron of the 12th and 13th centuries.

Coif de Mailles.A hood of mail worn by knights in the 12th century.

Coiffe, Arch. A term employed during the 16th and 17th centuries to denote the vaulted ceiling of an apse.

Coillon.(SeeCoin.)

CoinorCoigne, Arch. The corner of a building. (SeeQuoin.)

Coin-stones, Arch. Corner-stones.

Fig. 177. Helmet with Cointise behind.

CointiseorQuintise. (1) A scarf wrapped round the body, and sometimes attached to the helmet. (2) Quaintly-cut coverings for the helmet. Fig.177represents a helmet decorated withPANACHE,CORO. E., andcointise. This is the origin ofmantlingin heraldry. (3) A garment worn over armour,temp.Edward II., was so termed. (4) Horses’ caparisons.

Colatorium.A colander. (SeeCollum Vinarium.)

Colayn Riban, O. E. An ecclesiastical textile, ororphrey web, for the manufacture of which Cologne was famous in the 15th century.

Colcothar of Vitriol.A red pigment formerly calledcaput mortuum.

Cold-harbour.This common topical name is the Anglo-Saxonceald-herberga, cold “herberge” or shelter, and probably indicates a place where the ruins of a Roman villa or station were the only available shelter for travellers, in the ancient scarcity of inns.

Collar(of a shaft), Arch. TheAnnulet(q.v.). (See alsoCollar-beam.)

Fig. 178. Collar of Lancaster.

Collar, Med. (1) A defence of mail or plate for the neck. (2) Generally. An ornament for the neck. The Egyptians, Persians, Greeks, Romans, and Gauls wore collars, which were named variouslystreptos(στρεπτὸς),torquis,torques, &c. Collars were ornamented with heraldicbadgesin the Middle Ages. (3) Heraldic. One of the insignia of the orders of knighthood. (See Fig.178.)

Fig. 179. Collar of S.S.

Collar of S.S.Originally adopted by Henry IV., on the canopy of whose tomb it is employed as decoration over the arms of himself and his queen. Its significance is doubtful. Camden says the letters are the initials of Sanctus Simo Simplicius, an eminent Roman lawyer, and that it was particularly worn by persons of the legal profession.

Collar-beam, Arch. A horizontal tie, connecting a pair of rafters together, across the vault of a roof.

Collare, R. (collum, neck). A collar made of iron or leather, and studded with spikes. It was used both to confine slaves, and as a dog-collar. When a slave ran away from his master, an iron collar, with a leading-chain attached to it, was put round his neck.

Collarium, Med. Armour for the neck.

Collegium, R. A religious or industrial corporation in ancient Rome. The corresponding Greek institutions were theHetairiai. Thecollegiaincluded trade companies or guilds.

Collet.The setting which surrounds the stone of a ring. (SeeCrampon.)

Colliciæ,Colliquiæ. (1) Broad open drains through fields. (2) Gutters of hollow tiles (umbrices) placed beneath the roof of a house to receive the rain-water, and convey it into theImpluvium.

Colliciaris(sc.tegula). A hollow tile employed in the construction ofcolliciæ.

Collodion.A solution of gun cotton in ether, used in photography.

Collum Vinarium(fromcollum, a neck). A colander or wine-strainer. The custom of straining wine dates back beyond our era, and Christ made an allusion to it when he told the Pharisees that theircollaallowed a camel to pass, while they kept back a gnat. Snow was put into a strainer or a bag, called respectivelycollum nivarium,saccus nivarius, through which the wine was allowed to filter, not only to cool it, but because the intense cold cleared the wine, and rendered it sparkling and transparent; it was then calledvinum saccatum. The Christian Church from the first adopted this instrument in its liturgy; another name for it wascolatorium. (SeeNassa.) The colander for wine was made of silver, or bronze, or other metal. The linen cloth calledsaccuswas not used for wine of any delicacy, as it spoiled its flavour.

Colluviarium, R. An opening made at regular intervals in the channel of an aqueduct, for ventilation. As this opening formed a kind of well, it was also calledPuteus(q.v.).

Collyra, Gr. and R. A kind of bread made in a special manner, which was eaten with soup or sauce; there was also a cake so called.

Collyris(κολλυρὶς, synonym ofκολλύρα, q.v.). A head-dress worn by Roman ladies, resembling in shape the bread calledκολλύρα; the latter was calledκολλυρὶςas well.

Fig. 180. Collyrium or unguent Vase; Egyptian. Museum of the Louvre.

Collyrium(κολλύριον, dimin. ofκολλύρα, q.v.). (1) A term denoting anything we should now call an unguent, but especially the salvecollyrium, which was a liquid medicament. (2)Collyriawas a term applied to Egyptian vases of terra-cotta, with or without enamel; to small quadrangular boxes of wood or pottery; and, lastly, to small cylindrical cases of wood or bronze divided into compartments. There were three prevailing forms of the vases. The Egyptians used antimony to make their eyes look larger, and had some medicament for the relief of toothache; and inscriptions indicating these uses may be read upon vessels of this kind. (Fig.180).

Colne, O. E. A basket or coop.

Fig. 181. Roman Plebeian wearing the Colobium.

Colobium(fromκολοβὸς, docked or curtailed). A tunic with short sleeves, which scarcely covered the upper part of the arm. At Rome it was worn by men of free birth. Thecolobiumappears to have been the first dress adopted by Christian deacons, and in the liturgical writings it is often met with under the name oflevitonarium; when it was of fine linen, it was also calledlebitonandlebitonarium. (Fig.181.) Later on the sleeves were lengthened, and it became known as theDalmatic(q.v.).

Cologne Black.(SeeBlack.)

Cologne Earth.A bituminous earth of a violet-brown hue, transparent and durable in water-colour painting.

Colonica.Synonym ofvilla rustica. A farmhouse.

Color, Lat. (1) The term is used in several senses in mediæval treatises upon music, with a general idea of a quality of tone obtained by striking variations. (2) The coloured lines used in transcribing music. (SeeNeumes.)

Colores Austeri.Ancient pigments, notfloridi.

Colores Floridi.Ancient expensive and brilliant pigments. They were chrysocollum, indicum (or indigo), cæruleum (smalt), and cinnabar.

Colossus(κολοσσός). The word was used for all statues larger than life; that at Rhodes was ninety feet high. The Minerva and Jupiter Olympus of Pheidias, the Farnese Hercules, and the Flora of the Belvidere, were all colossal.

Colours, in Heraldry, are five: Blue or Azure, Red or Gules, Black or Sable, Green or Vert, Purple or Purpure. In French heraldry Green is Sinope. The uses and general symbolism of each colour are described under its own heading. The best work onsymbolic coloursis the “Essay” of M. Portal. One of the best on thetheory of coloursis that of Chevreuil.

Colubrina, Med. Lat. (fromcoluber, a snake). A culverin.

Columbar, R. A kind of pillory used for punishing slaves. The instrument derived its name from the holes in it, which bore some resemblance to pigeon-holes.

Fig. 182. Columbarium.

Columbarium.A dove-cote or pigeon-house, often constructed to hold as many as 4000 or 5000 birds. In the plural the term has many meanings. (1) It denotes the pigeon-holes or cells for the nests in a pigeon-house. (2) In a sepulchral chamber, the niches for holding the cinerary urns (ollæ). Fig.182represents the numerouscolumbariain the tomb of the freedmen of Octavia. In the sepulchral architecture of the Jews, the rock-hewn walls forming the vestibules of certain tombs were honey-combed with minutecolumbaria, in which only lamps were placed. Fig.183represents cells of this character taken from the tomb ofQuoublet-el-Endeh. (3) The openings in the side of a ship through which the oars passed. (4) The holes made in a wall to receive the head of a tie-beam. (5) The openings of the scoops in a particular kind of hydraulic wheel calledTympanum(q.v.).

Fig. 183. Columbaria in rock-hewn walls.

Columella.Dimin. ofcolumna. (SeeColumn,Cippus.)

Columen, Gr. and R. The highest timber in the framework of a roof, forming what is now called the ridgepiece.

Fig. 184. Ionic column.

Column, Arch. A column consists of three principal parts: the base (a), the shaft (b), and the capital (c). In theDoric, or most ancient style, the columns in a row rest upon a common base (podium). In the Ionic and Corinthian, each column has its own base (spira). The shaft of all columnstapersgradually from the base to the capital. Any swelling introduced to modify the straightness of the line was calledentasis. On the summit of a row of columns rests thearchitrave, or chief beam (d); above this thefrieze(e), and thecornice(f) projects above the frieze. These three together are called theentablature. The triangular gable-end of the roof, above the entablature, is called thepediment. A circuit of columns, enclosing an open space in the interior of a building, was called aperistyle. A temple of two stories, with one peristyle upon another (Ionic or Corinthian columns over the heavier Doric), was calledhypæthral. In Christian archæology the column is a symbol of the Church, which was called, so early as St. Paul,columna et firmitatum veritatis(the column and support of truth).

Colures.In Astronomy, the two circles which pass through the four cardinal points of the ecliptic—the equinoctial and solstitial points.

Coluria, Arch. Circular segments of stone, in the construction of a column, such as are now called tambours or disks.

Colus.A distaff. With the Romans it consisted of a thick cane (arundo,donax), split at the end in such a way that the opening formed a basket.Compta,plena, orlana amictawere the epithets applied to acoluswhen filled with wool. The thread obtained from it was calledstamen. The ball of loose wool at one end, prepared for spinning, was calledglomus. The lower end of the distaff rested under the left arm; the right hand spun and wound the thread on to the spindles (calledfusus). (SeeDistaff.)

Colymbion, Chr., Med. A vessel for holy water at the entrance of a church.

Colymbus, Gr. and R. A basin or reservoir used either as a swimming-bath or for washing linen in.

Coma(κόμη). (1) The hair; hair of the head. (2) The mane of animals. (SeeCæsaries,Cincinnus,Hair, &c.)

ComatoriusorComatoria(sc.acus). A long pin or bodkin of gold, silver, bronze, or ivory, used by the Roman ladies to keep up their hair when plaited. It was also called AcusCrinalis(q.v.). (CompareDiscerniculum.)

Combattant, Her. Said of lions, or other animals of prey, rampant and face to face.

Fig. 185. Ancient Carved Ivory Comb.

Combs(Lat.pecten, Gr.κτεὶς), as used for combing the hair, but not for wearing upon the head, are found in Pompeian and Egyptian tombs, and in the early British, Roman, and Saxon barrows. In the Middle Ages ivory combs were richly carved, and the ceremonial combs for use in ecclesiastical ceremonies are especially splendid. Greek and Roman combs were of box-wood; Egyptian combs were of ivory. Uncombed hair was a general sign of mourning. (SeeDiscerniculum.)

Commentaculum(fromcommento, to strike on the face). A staff or wand carried in sacred processions by the Roman priests to assist them in clearing a way and preventing the people from pressing in on them too closely.Commotaculumwas also used.

Commissatio(fromcommissor, to revel). A revelling or feasting which began after theCœna(q.v.), and lasted far on into the night. (SeeSymposium.)

CommistioorCommixtio, Chr. The placing of a portion of the bread into the chalice of wine, during the ceremony of consecration.

Common-house.The part of a monastery in which a fire was kept for the monks during winter.

Communicales, Chr. Communion vessels, made especially to be carried in procession in Rome.

Compass.In Music, the whole range of sounds capable of being produced by a voice or instrument.

Compass-headed, Arch. A semicircular arch.

Compass Roof, Arch. An open timber roof.

Compass Window, Arch. A bay-window on a circular plan.

Compes.(1) A ring of gold or silver worn by the Romans round the leg, just above the ankle. (2) The chains or shackles worn round the ankle by slaves or prisoners.

Compitalia,Compitales. A festival held by the Romans in honour of theLares compitales, celebrated in the cross-roads,compitia, where the images of those deities were often placed in niches.

Complement, Her. Applied to the moon, when full.

Complement.In Music, the interval to be added to another interval to make an octave; e.g. a third to a sixth; a fourth to a fifth, &c.

Complementary Colours.If the whole of the light which is absorbed by a coloured body were reunited with the whole of the light which it reflects, white light would result; in this case the absorbed colours are complementary to those which are reflected. The colour given by a mixture of the colours of any portion of a spectrum is thecomplementof the remaining portion.Redis complementary toGreen,OrangetoBlue,Greenish-YellowtoViolet,IndigotoOrange Yellow, and, in each case,vice versâ.

Completorium, Chr. The last of theHours of Prayer.

Compline, Chr. Short evening prayers completing the daily round of devotion prescribed by theHours of Prayer.

Compluvium, R. An opening in the roof of theatrium, furnished with gutters all round, which collected the rain-water from the roof, and conveyed it into the basin (impluvium) in the middle of the atrium.

Compon-covert, O. E. A kind of lace.

Fig. 186. Capital of the Composite Order.

Composite Order of Architecture.The last of the five Roman orders, composed of the Ionic grafted upon the Corinthian order. The examples at Rome are in the arch of Septimus Severus, the arch of the Goldsmiths, the arch of Titus, the temple of Bacchus, and the baths of Diocletian.

Compound Arch, Arch. A usual form of mediæval arch, which “may be resolved into a number of concentric archways, successively placed within and behind each other.” (Prof. Willis.)

Compound Pier, Arch. A clusteredColumn(q.v.).

Compounded Arms, Her. Bearings of two or more distinct coats combined, to produce a single compound coat.

Comus(Gr.κῶμος). (1) A revel, or carousal which usually ended in the guests parading the streets crowned with garlands, &c. (2) Festal processions instituted in honour of Bacchus and other gods, and of the victors at the games. (3) Odes written to be sung at such processions, e. g. those of Pindar.

Comus(Gr.κομμὸς, fromκόπτω, to strike). (1) A beating of the head and breast in lamentation; a dirge. (2) A mournful song sung in alternate verses by an actor and a chorus in the Attic drama.

Concædes.A barricade constructed of trees which have been cut down and placed across the road (to impede the enemy’s march).

Concamerate, Arch. To arch over; to vault.

Concave.Hollowed in; opposed toconvex, bulging out.

Concha(lit. a muscle or cockle). (1) A shell or shell-fish. (2) A Triton’s conch. In works of art, the Triton, or sea-god, has for a trumpet thebuccina, remarkable for a spiral twist, long and straight; or themurex, equally twisted, but short and wide-mouthed. (3) The term was applied, by analogy, to various objects having the shape of a shell, such as cups or vases used for holding perfumes or for other purposes. (4) In Architecture, an apse, or a plain concave of a dome, is so called.

Conchoid.A mathematical curve in the form of the outline of a shell.

Conclave(with a key), Chr. (1) A meeting of cardinals assembled to elect a pope; and (2) the hall or apartment in which such meeting is held. The institution of the conclave dates from Gregory X.

Concrete, Arch. A mixture of gravel, pebbles, or broken stone with cement.

Condalium(κονδύλιον, dimin. ofκόνδυλος, a knob or joint). A ring generally worn upon the first joint of the forefinger on the right hand.

Conditivium,Conditorium. (1) An underground vault in which were chests or coffins for holding bodies which had not been reduced to ashes. (2) A sarcophagus in which the body was placed. (3) A kind of arsenal or magazine in which military engines were kept.

Condrak, O. E. A kind of lace.

Condyle.A knuckle; the rounded end of a bone; hence—

Condyloid.Shaped like acondyle; and

Condylus.Synonym ofCondalium(q.v.).

Cone.A figure broad and round at the base, tapering upwards regularly towards a point.

Coney,Cony, O. E. (1) A variety of the rabbit. (2) A beehive.

Confessio, Chr. Originally the place where a saint or martyr was buried; thence the altar raised over his grave; and subsequently the chapel or basilica built there.

Congé, Arch. The cavetto (hollow moulding) which unites thebaseandcapitalof a column to its shaft.

Congius(deriv. doubtful). A Roman measure containing sixsextariior twelveheminæ. It was used especially for measuring liquids.Angl.a pint and a half.

Conic Sections.Curves formed by the intersection of aconeand aplane; the circle, the ellipse, the hyperbola, and the parabola.

Conisterium, Gr. and R. A room in which wrestlers, after having had oil applied to their bodies, were rubbed over with fine sand (κόνις). Theconisteriumwas an appendage to a palæstrum, gymnasium, &c.

Conopeum,Canopium, Gr. and R. (fromκώνωψ, a gnat). A musquito-net, of very light material, introduced into Rome from Egypt. [This is the origin of the English wordcanopy.]

Back to Index Next