Fig. 204 Crenellated walls at Pompeii.
Fig. 204 Crenellated walls at Pompeii.
Fig. 204 Crenellated walls at Pompeii.
Crenelle, Fr. A cutting or indentation of the walls of a fortress or tower, &c. The spaces between the solid masonry are calledembrasures, and the solid portions themselvesmerlons; usually the tops of the merlons are coped to throw off rain. (SeeCoping.) Fig.204shows a portion of the crenellated walls of Pompeii restored. (See Fig.77.)
Crepida, Gr. and R. (κρηπίς). A slipper made of a strong leather sole, to the edges of which was fixed a piece of leather with eyelet-holes (ansæ) for the laces (corrigiæ) or a strap (amentum). This shoe was of Greek origin.Crepida carbatinawas the name given to a shoe of the simplest and plainest description. (SeeCarbatina.) [This shoe is only found represented on figures clothed with thepallium, not thetoga.]
Fig. 205. Crepido in a street in Pompeii.
Fig. 205. Crepido in a street in Pompeii.
Fig. 205. Crepido in a street in Pompeii.
Crepido, Gr. and R. (κρηπίς). In a general sense, any kind of base or stand upon which another object rests, and by analogy the embankment of a quay, a dike, or jetty. The term is also applied to the raised causeway for foot passengers at the side of a road or street. Fig.204represents acrepidoon a high road near Pompeii, and Fig.205acrepidoin the streets of the same town.
Crepitaculum, R. (crepo, to creak). A child’s rattle, made in the form of a circle to which bells were attached. These rattles have been found in the excavations of Pompeii. Some authors apply the term to theSistrumof the Egyptians.
Crepitus(sc.digitorum), R. A snapping of the fingers made by pressing the tip of the thumb firmly against the tip of the middle finger.
Crepundia, R. A general term for playthings for children, as well as for necklaces of various ornaments, or amulets. These were in some instances of great length, and were worn by the children like shoulder-belts.
Créquier, Her. The wild plum-tree: the device of the Créquy family.
Fig. 206. Crescent.
Fig. 206. Crescent.
Fig. 206. Crescent.
Crescent, Her. Thedifferenceof the second son. The moon is a crescent when she appears as in Fig.206. (CompareDecrescent,Increscent.)
Cresolite, O. E. Crystal.
Crespine, Fr. A network to confine the hair of ladies; thecalanticaof the ancients. It is found in mediæval monuments in a variety of forms.
Cressets.A small pan or portable fireplace, filled with combustibles, used for illuminating purposes; 16th century. Her., a beacon. (See Fig.54.)
Crest, Arch, (crista). A running ornament, more or less incised and perforated, which is placed on the ridge of roofs. Many monuments of antiquity have been adorned with terra-cotta crests; in the Romano-Byzantine architecture examples occur which are made of stone, while in Pointed or Renaissance art they were made of lead.
Fig. 207. Royal crest of England.
Fig. 207. Royal crest of England.
Fig. 207. Royal crest of England.
Crest, Her. (Lat.crista). This word, familiar to us as the name of an ornament surmounting the helmet and the insignia of a gentleman of coat armour, signified in classic times a comb terminating in a peak in front of the casque decorated with horsehair or plumes. (SeeCrista, Fig.252.) The earliest appearance of a crest in England is on the second seal of Richard I. Fig.207illustrates the manner in which the crest is worn upon the royal crown of England. Crests are not worn by ladies, excepting by the Sovereign. (SeePanache.)