Chapter 19

Fig. 187. Consecrated pyre on Roman medal.

Consecratio, R. A kind of apotheosis or deification by which a mortal was enrolled in the number of the gods. It was unknown under the republic, and was only instituted in the time and on behalf of the emperors. The ceremony was solemnized in the Field of Mars, and with the greatest splendour. A magnificent pyre was raised, from the top of which, when kindled, an eagle was let fly, which was supposed to carry up to the skies the soul of the deified emperor. Fig.187, taken from a medal, represents one of these pyres.

Consentiæ, Gr. and R. Festivals held in honour of the twelve principal divinities of Rome or Greece.

Consignatorium Ablutorum, Chr. In early times there were baptisteries near churches, with a place closely adjoining in which to administer the rite of confirmation; it was the place specially set apart for the administration of this rite that was calledconsignatorium ablutorum.

Console.A projecting ornament, in wood or stone, used as a bracket.

Constant White.Sulphate of Barytes(q.v.).

Constellations.Groups of stars, mostly with classical names.Ancient C., forty-eight formed by Ptolemy inA. D.150, with two others added by Tycho Brahe;Modern C., fifty-nine others since formed, many by Helvetius at the end of the 17th century. (Rossiter.)

Constratum, R. A flooring constructed of planks. (SeeCoassatio.)

Consualia, R. A festival of ancient Rome held in honour of the godConsus. It was from this festival that the games of the circus took their rise. Livy calls the god Neptunus Equestris. The feast was held with horse and chariot races. Horses and mules did no work, and were crowned with garlands during its celebration. The Rape of the Sabines took place at the first Consualia.

Contabulatio, R. The long parallel folds formed in any garment of ample size, such as thetoga,palla, andpallium.

Contignatio, R. (a joining together of beams). The wood-work of beams and joists supporting the flooring in a building of several stories. The term is also used to denote the flooring and sometimes the story itself.

Continuous Impost, Arch. In Gothic architecture, the mouldings of an arch, when carried down to the ground without interruption, or anything to mark the impost-joint. (Newlands.)

Contoise, Fr. A flowing scarf worn attached to the helmet before 1350. (SeeCointise.)

Contomonobolum, R. A game which consisted in leaping over a wide space by aid of a pole (contus) which was used as a fulcrum.

Contorniate.A class of antique medals having thecontour, or edge, marked with a deep cut. They generally have monograms on the obverse, and scenes of mythology on the reverse.

Contour, Fr. Outline.

Contournée, Her. Facing to the sinister.

Contra, in compound words in music, signifiesan octave below:contra-basso, a double bass, &c.

Contra Votum, Chr. (i. e. against one’s desires). A formula of grief, placed by the ancients on tombs, columns, and other sepulchral monuments, and adopted by Christians in the 5th century. (SeeAcclamations.)

Contractura, R. The tapering of the column, which begins from the upper part of the shaft, and gradually widens as it reaches the base. (SeeEntasis.)

Contralto, It. In Music, the voice of deepest tone in females, allied to the tenor in men.

Contrapuntal, Mus. Relating toCounterpoint(q.v.).

Contre-imbrications.An ornament cut in the form of fishes’ scales overlapping one another, the scales being indented. In theimbricationsthey stand out.

Contrepoint, O. E. (SeePourpoint.)

Contubernium, R. (1) A tent capable of accommodating ten soldiers and their corporal (decanus). (2) A dwelling-place, especially for slaves. Hencecontubernalescame to mean comrades, and generally persons living in intimacy under one roof together.

Contus(κοντὸς), Gr. and R. (1) A punting-pole, used also for taking soundings; each trireme was furnished with three poles of different lengths. (2) A cavalry pike or lance.

Conus, Gen. (κῶνος, a cone). (1) In general, any object of a conical form. (2) A kind of sun-dial described upon a hollow cone. (3) The metal ridge at the top of a helmet, to which the plume was attached. (See Fig.252.)

Convivium, R. A banquet which generally took place at about the same hour as thecœna, but which was never followed by acommissatio. (SeeCœna,Commissatio.)

Coopertorium, R. (that which covers). A rug of coarse cloth; a kind of blanket.

Cop, O. E. Generally the top of anything; a mound or heap. (SeeBattlement.)

Copal.A hard resin, which, dissolved in boiling linseed oil, forms an excellent varnish for pictures. It is also used as a vehicle for painting. The South African copal is the finest in quality. (SeeVarnish.)

Copatain, O. E. A sugar-loaf hat; “a copped-crown hat.”

Cope, Chr. A sacerdotal garment, also called apluvial, because it was originally worn by priests in processions as a protection against the rain. It was open in the front, and fastened on the breast by a “morse” or clasp. In the primitive Church the cope was furnished with a hood, and hence mentioned asCuculla.

Cope, Arch. To top a wall with thin bricks or stone.

Coperone, O. E., Arch. A pinnacle.

Cop-halfpenny, O. E. The game of “heads and tails.”

Cop-head, O. E. A crest of feathers or hair on an animal’s head.

Coping, Arch. The capping or covering of a wall, generally sloping to throw off rain. In Fig.77two of the merlons are coped.

Cophinus.Gr. and R. A large shallow wicker basket used for agricultural purposes.Cophinus et fænum, “a basket of hay,” is Juvenal’s word for the poor man’s bed. Compare Englishcoffin.

Coppa Puerpera, It. Caudle-cup.

Coppe(It.),Cups(Sp.copa). The early Italian suit of playing cards corresponding to hearts. TheRev. E. S. Taylorsuggests, “The notion of hearts, as the seat of the affections, &c., is in connexion with the office of theclergy;” hence thechalices. (SeeCœur.)

Copped, O. E. Crested. (ForCop-head, q.v.)

Copperas(white) is considered the safest metallicdrierfor pigments and varnish.

Fig. 188. Ewer and basin of enamelled copper (Turkish).

Copper-enamelling.(Fig.188.) (SeeEnamels.)

Copper-plate Engraving.(SeeChalcography.)

Coppet, O. E. Saucy.

Coppid, O. E. Peaked; referring to the fashion of the long peaked toe.

Copple-crowned, O. E. With a head high and rising up, said of a boy “with his hair on end.”

Coppull, O. E. A hen’s name (in the Turnament of Tottenham).

CopsorMerlons, Arch. The raised parts of a battlement. (See Fig.77.)

Coracle, O. E. A boat of wicker-work covered with hides.

Coracoid(κόραξ, a crow). In the form of a crow’s beak, e. g. a bone in the shoulder-blade.

Coral(seeAmulets) is mentioned in the Lapidarium of Marbodus as a very favourite and potent amulet.

“Wondrous its power, so Zoroaster sings,And to the wearer sure protection brings.And, lest they harm ship, land, or house, it bindsThe scorching lightning and the furious winds.Sprinkled ‘mid climbing vines or olives’ rows,Or with the seed the patient rustic sows,’Twill from thy crops avert the arrowy hail,And with abundance bless the smiling vale.”(King,Antique Gems.)

“Wondrous its power, so Zoroaster sings,

And to the wearer sure protection brings.

And, lest they harm ship, land, or house, it binds

The scorching lightning and the furious winds.

Sprinkled ‘mid climbing vines or olives’ rows,

Or with the seed the patient rustic sows,

’Twill from thy crops avert the arrowy hail,

And with abundance bless the smiling vale.”

(King,Antique Gems.)

Coranach,Coronach, Gaelic (corah-rainach, a crying together). A dirge.

Coranto, It. An Italian form of the country dance or jig.

Corazza, O. E. A cuirass.

Corbel, Arch. A projecting bracket supporting a pier, cornice, or column.

Corbel Steps, Arch. Steps into which the outlines of a gable are sometimes broken; also calledCorbie Steps.

Corbel Table.A term in mediæval architecture, applied to a projecting course and the row of corbels which support it.

Corbie, Scotch. A raven; hence a “corbie messenger,” one that is long upon his errand, like the raven sent from the ark, who returned not again.

Corbie Steps.(SeeCorbel Steps.)

Corbis, R. A wicker basket of conical shape, used especially for agricultural purposes. A similar basket in every-day use in parts of Italy is still called “la corbella.” Cf. the German “Korb.”

Corbita, R. A merchantman of the larger class, so called because it hung out a basket at the masthead. These vessels were also calledonerariæ.

Corbona Ecclesiæ, Chr. The treasure of a church, accumulated from the offerings of communicants at the Sacrament. The Greek synonym for this term isgazophylacium.

Corbula.Dimin. ofCorbis(q.v.).

Corce, O. E. The body, stomach.

“He start to hym with gret force,And hyt hym egurly on thecorce!”(Old MS.)

“He start to hym with gret force,

And hyt hym egurly on thecorce!”

(Old MS.)

Cordate,Cordiform. Heart-shaped.

Cordax, Gr. and R. A dance of the ancient Greek comedy of a ridiculous and indecent character. Fauns and satyrs are constantly represented dancing thecordax.

Cordeliers, Fr. The Franciscan friars are so called from theropegirdles they wear.

Cordevan, O. E. A leather of goat-skin, originally from Cordova in Spain. Spelt alsoCordewayne; hencecordwainerorcordiner, a shoemaker.

Cordigard, Med. (from the Frenchcorps de garde). A detachment of troops appointed for a particular service.

Fig. 189. Corean tea-pot. (AboutA. D.1562.)

Corean Porcelain, from a country intermediate between China and Japan, combines the qualities of the most ancient art of each. The tea-pot represented in Fig.189is covered with gravings in the paste imitating the waves of the ocean, and shows four times repeated an imperial Japanese device, by which it appears that the piece was destined for the Mikado.

Fig. 190. Capital of the Corinthian Order.

Corinthian Order of Architecture.This order originated in Greece, and the capital is said to have been suggested by observing a tile placed on a basket left in a garden, and an acanthus growing round it. The principal distinction of this order is its capital, richly ornamented with leaves and flowers. Among the principal Corinthian examples are the temple of Vesta, the basilica of Antoninus, and the temples of Jupiter Tonans and Jupiter Stator; all at Rome.

Corium, R. Leathern body-armour cut into scale form.

Corkburned forms the pigment calledSpanish Black.

Corn.In pagan art, the attribute of Ceres and Justitia and Juno Martialis.

Cornal.The head of a tilting-lance. (SeeCoronel.)

Cornelian,Carnelian, Gen. A variety of chalcedony of a horny transparency and a more or less deep red. Engraved cornelians have perpetuated much information about the manners and customs of the ancient Greeks and Romans. (SeeSards.)

Cornemuse.A French form of the bagpipe.

Cornet.(1) A kind of heraldic banner. (2) The bearer of the colours of a regiment. (3) Square caps worn in the Universities. (4) Any object havingcorners, or angular extremities. (5) An obsolete musical instrument, once in common use in Germany and in England, something like aHautboy, but larger and of a coarser tone. (SeeWaits.)

Cornice.(SeeCoronis.)

Cornichon, Fr. A kind of game at “quoits.”

Fig. 191. Coin showing the Corniculum.

Corniculum, R. (dimin. ofcornu, and so a small horn). It was a mark of distinction conferred on a soldier who had distinguished himself by his conduct or courage, and was worn on his helmet. On Thracian and other coins we find representations of this horn as part of the royal head-dress.

Cornish, O. E. The ring placed at the mouth of a cannon.

Cornlaiters, O. E. Newly-married peasants begging corn to sow their first crop with.

Cornu,Cornus, andCornum, R. (1) The horn of an animal. (2) Any object made of horn or of a horn-like shape. The musicalcornuwas curved; the straight horn was calledtuba.

Cornu Altaris(horn of the altar), in Christian archæology, means merely thecorneroranglethereof.Cornu Evangeliiis the angle to the left,c. Epistolæthat to the right, of the celebrating priest.

Cornu-copiæ, R. Horn of abundance, a symbol of concord, prosperity, and good fortune. It was represented as a wreathed horn, filled to overflowing with corn and fruit.

Corolla, R. (dimin. ofCorona, q.v.). Thecorolladenoted in a general sense a small crown or even a garland; in a more restricted acceptation it was a garland of artificial flowers made of horn shavings and painted various colours. Women used to wear this kind of wreath during winter.

Corollarium, R. (dimin. ofCorona, q.v.). It denoted especially a wreath made out of thin metal leaves, which the audience in a theatre presented to their favourite actors.

Fig. 192. Mural crown.

Fig. 193. Naval crown.

Fig. 194. Celestial crown.

Corona(κορώνη), R. A crown or garland made with natural or artificial leaves and flowers (of horn, parchment, &c., or metal). There were many different kinds ofcoronæ, of which the principal were the following:corona civica;corona classica,navalis, orrostrata;corona castrensisorvallaris;corona longa;corona muralis;corona obsidionalis;corona natalitia;corona oleagina;corona ovalis;corona pactilis,plectilis, orplexilis;corona triumphalis;corona sutilis, &c. The most honourable was thec. obsidionalis, presented by a beleaguered army, after its liberation, to the general who raised the siege. It was made of grass, or wild flowers plucked on the site. Thec. civicawas presented to a Roman soldier who had saved the life of a citizen in battle. It was made of oak leaves. Thec. navaliswas made of gold. Thec. muralis, presented to the first man over the wall of a besieged city, was also made of gold, and it was ornamented with turrets. Thec. castrensis, presented to the first soldier who forced an entrance into an enemy’s camp, was of gold ornamented with palisades. Of thec. triumphalisthere were three kinds: one of laurel or bay leaves, worn by the commanding officer during his triumph; one of massive gold held over his head; and a third of still greater value, also of gold. Thec. ovalis, to commemorate an ovation to an officer, was made of myrtle leaves. Thec. oleagina, of olive leaves, was given to common soldiers. Besides these, there were the various sacerdotalcoronæ, emblematical of their functions: the funereal chaplets of leaves and flowers for the dead, calledc. funebresorsepulchrales; the wreaths of roses, violets, myrtles, ivy, &c., worn at convivial meetings,c. convivialis; and the bridal wreath, of Greek origin, made of flowers not bought, but plucked by the bride herself, the verbena being the chosen flower among the Romans,c. nuptialis; and finally thec. natalitiasuspended over the door of a house where a child was born. At Athens this was of olive for a boy, and of wool for a girl. At Rome the wreath was made of laurel, ivy, or parsley. The various crowns used in heraldry are described under their respective headings. (SeeCrown.)

CoronaorDrip-stone, Gen. A moulding forming part of a cornice, the lower part or drip of which is grooved, so as to throw off the rain-water from the structure. Drip-stones are sometimes plain, sometimes decorated with rich sculptures.

Corona Lucis, Chr. A lamp or chandelier suspended above the altar of a church, from which usually depended a jewelled cross.

Coronach, Scotch. A dirge.

Coronarium(aureum), R. The gold for a triumphal crown (corona triumphalis): it was sent by the provinces to a victorious chief or general.

Coronarium(opus), R. Stucco-work applied to the decoration of a cornice or projecting moulding.

Coronel, Med. The head of a jousting-lance, so called from its resemblance to a little crown. Twelve were allowed to a tilter in the time of Henry VI. (Meyrick.)

Coronell, O. E. A colonel.

Fig. 195. Prince of Wales’s coronet.

Coronets.Ensigns of nobility worn upon the head, introduced into England about the middle of the 14th century. (SeeBaron,Duke,Earl, &c.) Ladies also wore them surmounting the horned head-dress of the reign of Henry V. The engraving (Fig.196) represents Beatrice, Countess of Arundel, with coronet.

Fig. 196. Coronet of Countess of Arundel,temp.Henry V.

Coronis(κορωνίς). Anything curved; thecorniceof an entablature.

Coronize(Gr.κορωνίζω, fromκορώνη, a crow). To beg for the crow; said of strollers who went about begging with a crow, singing begging songs. (SeeChelidonize.)

Corporal, O. E. The fine linen cloth or veil for the pyx, sometimes embroidered with golden thread and coloured silks. With such a “corporal” Mary, Queen of Scots, bandaged her eyes for her execution.

Corpse-candle, O. E. A thick candle used formerly atlake-wakes.

Fig. 197. Corpse or Lich-gate.

Corpse-gateorLich-gate. A shed over the gate of a churchyard to rest the corpse under. (Fig.197.)

Corrugis, R. (corrugo, to wrinkle). Literally, wrinkled; a loose garment which was wrapped round the body, and fell into numerous folds, so as to present the appearance of a wrinkled surface.

Cors, Arch. The shaft of a pinnacle.

Corsæ, R. The mouldings decorating the surface of a marble door-post.

Corse, O. E. (SeeCorce.)

Corse of Silk, O. E. Probably a silk ribbon.

Corselet, Fr. A light breastplate; 16th and 17th centuries.

Corspresant, Med. A mortuary.

Fig. 198. Cortina.

Cortina, R. (1) A deep circular vessel in the shape of a saucepan, used for various purposes. (2) The snake’s skin spread over the tripod of the Pythoness at Delphi. (3) An altar of marble, bronze, or the precious metals, in the form of a tripod. (4) The vault over the stage in a theatre was calledcortina, from its resemblance to the lid of a tripod. (5) Tables of marble or bronze, made to imitate the slab upon which the Delphic priestess sat, were also calledcortinæDelphicæ. (See Fig.199.)

Fig. 199. Cortina (Etruscan).

Cortinale, R. A cellar in which wine was boiled in caldrons (cortinæ) to preserve it.

Corundum.The Indian name for a very hard mineral called adamantine spar. The ruby and sapphire are varieties ofcorundum.

Corven.O. E. for carven, cut.

“Corvenewyndows of glase,With joly bandis of brase.”(Lincoln MS.)

“Corvenewyndows of glase,

With joly bandis of brase.”

(Lincoln MS.)

Corvus, R. (lit. crow). A crane orgrappling-iron, used in naval warfare. It was a strong piece of iron with a spike at the end, which, being violently let down upon a ship from the yard-arm, or a special mast made for the purpose, went through the bottom and sank it, or at any rate grappled it fast. A variety ofcorvuswas also made use of in the assault of fortified places.

Corybantica, Gr. and R. Festivals celebrated at Cnossus, in Crete, by the Corybantes, in honour of Atys and his mother Cybele. The priests ran through town and country carrying torches and uttering savage cries to the accompaniment of drums and cymbals. They performed frenzied dances known under the name ofCorybantic dances.

Corycæum, Gr. and R. A large apartment in a gymnasium or a large bathing establishment, for theCorycoboliaor sack-throwing, a game which consisted in suspending from the ceiling of thecorycæum, at the height of about a yard from the ground, a sack filled with sand, bran, or seeds, to be thrust away with blows of the fist, and when it was in full swing to be stopped with the hands, back, or breast. The exercise was also calledCorycomachia.

Corymbus, R. (κόρυμβος, a cluster). (1) A bunch of any fruit that grows in clusters, such as ivy-berries. (2) A head-dress or wig arranged in the form ofcorymbi, in a knot at the top of the head, as that of Venus is represented in the Medici statue. (3) The term is also sometimes used as a synonym ofAplustre(q.v.).

Corynalle, Arch. (SeeCornal.)

“The schafte was strong over alle,And a well-shapedcorynalle.”

“The schafte was strong over alle,

And a well-shapedcorynalle.”

Coryphæus, Gr. (lit. at the head). (1) Any leader. (2) Esp. the leader of the chorus of the Attic drama. (3) An epithet of Jupiter Capitolinus.

Corytus, Gr. and R. A bow-case. The quiver for arrows was calledpharetra.

Fig. 200. Cos—a Roman Grindstone.

Cos, R. A hone, whetstone, or grindstone. Fig.200is taken from an engraved gem.

Cosmi(κόσμοι). The supreme magistrates in Crete.

Costanti. One of the Italian literary academies. They had for their device the sun shining on a column, with the mottoTantum volvitur umbra(the shadow only revolves).

Cote, O. E. A woman’s gown; 15th century.

Cote Armour.(SeeCoat Armour,Tabard.)

Cote-hardie.A tight-fitting gown; 14th century.

Cothurnus, Gr. and R. The Buskin; a high boot of Greek invention, met with on representations of certain divinities and of some of the emperors covered with rich ornamentation. It is an attribute of the huntress Diana. The sole was thickened with cork for tragic actors, to make them taller. Horsemen wore it as high as the knee.

Cotillion(Fr.cotte, an under-petticoat). A dance introduced from France, where it usually terminated a ball.

Cotise, Her. A diminutive of the Bend, being one-fourth of its width.

Cotta.A short surplice.

Cottabus,Cottabê,Cotabos, Gr. and R. A game of Greek origin, played in various manners, by throwing wine into empty cups swimming on a basin of water, or into scales suspended above a bronze ornament. The man who drowned most cups won a prize, or he who made the best sound had a good omen. There were other methods.

Cotyla, Gr. and R. A measure of capacity equal to half a pint English.

Cotyttia(κοττύτια). Nocturnal festivals celebrated by the Edonians of Thrace in honour of a goddess called Cotytto (Cybele).

Fig. 201. Hartcouchant.

CouchantorDormant, Her. In repose. The illustration gives the device of King Richard II., a white hartcouchanton a mount, &c. (Fig.201.)

Coucher, O. E. A book keptcouchedor lying on a desk, e. g. books of the church services left in the places where they were used.

Coudières. (SeeCoutere.)

Coufic. (SeeCufic.)

Coulisse, Tech. A piece of timber with a channel or groove in it, such as that in which the side-scenes of a theatre move.

Counter, Her. Reversed or opposite.

Counterfort, Arch. A buttress.

Counterpoint, Music. The art of combining melodies, or rather of adding to a melody harmonious parts.Double Counterpointis “a kind of artificial composition, where the parts are inverted in such a manner that the uppermost becomes the lowermost, andvice versâ.” (SeeStainer and Barrett,Dic. of Musical Terms.)

Counter-proof.An impression of an engraving printed from a wet proof.

Counter-sealorSecretum. A seal on the reverse or back of another seal. Early seals were generally impressed on both sides.

Countess, Arch. A roofing slate, 20 inches by 10 inches.

Couped, Her. Cut off smoothly. The reverse oferased.

Coupled(columns), Gen. Two columns are said to becoupledwhen they are placed quite close to each other without touching.Coupled headsis the term applied to two heads placed back to back upon the same pedestal or the same trunk. Many pedestals ornamented withHermæ(q.v.) are surmounted by coupled heads.

Courant, Her. Running.

Course, Arch. One range, or stratum, of bricks, stones, or other material in the construction of a wall.

Court Cards.The king, queen, and knave of a suit. They were originallynamedin France; e. g. the fourkingswere Charlemagne, Cæsar, Alexander, and David; the fourqueens, Judith, Rachel, Argine, and Pallas; and thevalets, Lahire, Hector, Lancelot, and Hogier. Of these thekingswere said to represent the four ancient monarchies of the Jews, Greeks, Romans, and Franks; and thequeens, wisdom, birth, beauty, and fortitude. (Taylor.) (SeeChatrang.)

Court Cupboards, O. E. Richly carved and large cupboards for plate and other valuables,temp.Charles I.

Court Dish, O. E. A kind of drinking-cup.

Courtepy(Teutonic). Short cloak or gown.

Coussinet, Arch. The crowning stone of a pier, lying immediately under the arch.

Coutel, Fr. A short knife or dagger in use in the Middle Ages.

CoutereorCoutes. The elbow-piece in armour.

Fig. 202. Couvre-feu (Curfew).

Couvre-feu, Angl.Curfew. A screen used, as its name implies, for covering the fire; introduced with the famous Curfew-bell,temp.William Rufus. (Fig.202.)

Cove, Arch. A name for concave mouldings or other concavities.

Coved Ceiling, Arch. A ceiling springing from the walls with a cove.

Coventry Blue.A celebrated “blew threde” made at Coventry,temp.Elizabeth.

Covert, Her. Partly covered.

Covinus, R. (Celtic,kowain). A war-chariot. The spokes of its wheels were armed with scythes. [It was used by the ancient Britons. The Romans gave the name to a close travelling carriage covered in all round.] (CompareCurrus,Carpentum.)

CowardorCowed, Her. An animal with its tail between its legs.

Cow-lady, O. E. The lady-bird.

“A paire of buskins they did bringOf thecow-ladye’scorall wyng.”(Musarum Deliciæ.)

“A paire of buskins they did bring

Of thecow-ladye’scorall wyng.”

(Musarum Deliciæ.)

Cowl, Mod. (fromcuculla,Cucullus, q.v.). A priest’s hood.

CoxorCokes, O. E. A fool; henceCoxcomb, for the top of a fool’s cap.

Crackle PorcelainorCracklin. A kind of china, the glaze of which has been purposely cracked all over in the kiln. The Chinese have many kinds of this manufacture, some of which are extremely rare and valuable. White and grey are the common colours amongst modern crackle. The yellow and cream-coloured specimens are much prized: these are seldom seen in Europe. The greens, light and dark, turquoise, and reds are generally finely glazed, and have the crackle lines small and minute. In colouring, these examples are exquisite, and in this respect they throw our finest specimens of European porcelain quite into the shade. The green and turquoise crackle made in China at the present day are very inferior to the old kinds. Perhaps the rarest and most expensive of all ancient crackles is a yellowish stone-colour. (Fortune.)

Crackled Glass.(SeeGlass.)

Cracowes.Long-toed boots and shoes, introduced in 1384.

Cradle Vault, Arch. A cylindrical vault.

Cradling.A builder’s term for a timber frame for a ceiling, &c.

Craig, Scotch. (1) A rock. (2) The neck; throat.

Crampet.The decorated end of a scabbard.

Crampon.The border of gold which keeps a stone in a ring. (SeeCollet.)

Cramp-ring, O. E. A ring consecrated on Good Friday, an amulet against cramp.

Crancelin, Her. (from the GermanKranzlein, a small wreath). The chaplet that crosses the shield of Saxony. It is said to be an augmentation conferred by the Emperor Barbarossa, who took from his head his own chaplet of rue, and threw it across the shield of the Duke of Saxony. (Boutell.)

Crane’s-bills.Geraniums, so called from the shape of their seed-vessels.

Crannogs, Irish. Lake fortresses constructed on artificial islands.

Crapaudine Doors.A technical name for doors that turn on pivots at top and bottom, or are hung with so calledcentre-pinhinges.

Crash.The grey linen used for the kind of embroidery calledcrewelwork.

Fig. 203. Silver Crater (Roman). Found at Hildesheim.

Crater, Gr. and R. (κρατὴρ, fromκεράννυμι, to mix). (1) A large and beautiful vase with a wide open mouth, in which the wine and water was mixed which was handed round at banquets and sacrifices. It was into vases of this description that slaves dipped a ladle (cyathus), with which they filled the cups. The beautiful silvercratershown in the illustration (Fig.203), of a date not later than the 1st century, was found with other treasures of a similar kind at Hildesheim, near Hanover, in 1869. It is now in the Berlin Museum. (2) The mouth of a volcano is named from its resemblance to the Greek crater. (3) A small constellation of the southern hemisphere called the Cup.

Crates, R. A frame or basket made of hurdles, and so a hurdle itself. (English, “crate.”)

Craticula, R. (dimin. ofcrates). A small hurdle, and by analogy, a gridiron, which looks like a small hurdle.

Creag, O. E. The game of ninepins.

Creagra.Gr. (κράγρα, fromκρέαςandἀγρέω, i. e. a flesh-hook). A synonym of the Latin termHarpago(q.v.).

Creasing.A builder’s word for a row of tiles under the coping of a wall.

Credence Table.The small table beside an altar, on which the communion was placed before consecration.

Creme-box, O. E. A chrismatory (q.v.).

Cremesyn, O. E. Crimson velvet.

Cremium, R. (cremo, to burn). Small wood, made up into bundles, used by bakers, and for lighting the hypocausts under the baths.

Crenel.The peak at the top of a helmet.

Crenellated, Her. Embattled. (SeeBattlement.)

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