Chapter 55

Fig. 607. Sejant Rampant.

Sejant Rampant.Seated like a cat, with his fore-legs erect.

Sejugis, R. (sex, six, andjungo, to join). A chariot drawn by six horses abreast.

Seliquastrum, Chr. A seat of highly archaic character met with on certain monuments of Christian art.

Sella, R. (sedeo, to sit). A low seat without back, a stool;sella curulis, a curule chair; its feet were of ivory, and took the form of an X, and it folded like a camp-stool;sella castrensis, a real camp-stool;sella balnearis, a bath-seat, we possess a specimen in ancient red marble of the greatest beauty, another name for it wassella pertusa;sella tonsoria, a barber’s chair. Again, the termsellawas applied to a sedan-chair (sella portatoria,gestatoria,fertoria), and a pack-saddle for beasts of burden (sella bajulatoria), and to a riding-saddle (sella equestris).

Sellaria, R. A large reception-room, so called because it was furnished with a number ofsellæ.

Sellaris(sc.equus), R. A saddle horse.

Sellula, R. (dimin. ofSella). A small sedan-chair.

Sembella, R. A nominal subdivision of thedenarius, of which it was worth a twentieth part, or about fivepence.

Fig. 608.Fleur-de-lis(semée). Ancient France.

SeméeorAspersed, Her. Sown broadcast, or scattered, without any fixed number, over the field. (Fig.608.)

Sementivæ, R. (sementis, a sowing). A festival which took place at seed-time in honour of Ceres and Tellus.

Semi-(ἡμι-), as an adjunct, is the Greek form ofdemi= half.

Semibreve.In Music, half a breve; the longest note in modern music, marked

Semicinctium, R. (semi, half, andcingo, to gird). A short kilt worn by men when going through violent exercises or severe bodily labour; it reached from the waist to the knees.

Semidiapason.In Music, an octave lessened by a semitone.

Semiquaver.A sixteenth of a semibreve—.

Semis,Semissis. The half of an As, or six ounces; henceSemisses= six per cent. interest.

Semita, R. (seandmeo, i. e. going aside). A pathway in a field; a narrow lane in a town.

Semitarge, Med. Fr. A scimitar. (SeeTarge.)

Semitone.In Music; the smallest interval in modern music; the ancients hadquarter-tones(q.v.).

Semi-uncials.During the 6th and 7th centuries, a transition style of illuminating prevailed, the letters of which have been termedsemi-uncials. This, in a further transition, became more like the old Roman cursive, which was called thenminuscule; it began to prevail overuncialsabout the 8th century, and in the 10th its use was established. (SeeUncial Letters.)

Semuncia.Half an ounce.

Senaculum, R. A place in which the senate used to meet. There were at Rome threesenacula; one between the Capitol and the Forum, a second near the Porta Capena, and a third near the temple of Bellona.

Senio, R. The numbersixinscribed on the face of dice, and thence the throw when all the sixes turned up.

Sentina, R. The well or hold of a ship.

Sentinaculum, R. A ship’s pump.

Sepia.A warm, brown, water-colour pigment obtained from the ink-bag of the cuttlefish. (SeeRoman Sepia.)

Sept-foil, Chr. A figure ofsevenfoils, typical of the seven sacraments of the Church, and other mysteries of religion linked to the number seven.

Septilateral.Having seven sides.

Septimontium, R. A festival of the seven hills, celebrated at Rome in December.

Septizonium,Septemzonium, R. A building of great magnificence, which had seven stories of columns one above the other; each set supported an entablature and cornice running right round the building (zona), whence the name Septizonium.

Septum, R. and Chr. (sepio, to fence in). In general, any enclosure shut in by walls, palisades, barriers, hedges, &c. In Christian archæology,septumwas the name given to a barrier, which, in the ancient Roman basilicas, separated the nave from the absides.

Septunx, R. (septemanduncia). Seven-twelfths of any quantity, whatever its nature.

Sepulchre, Chr. The Holy Sepulchre is a favourite subject of architectural sculpture, in cathedrals and continental churches. It is generally found on the north side of the chancel near the altar.

Sepulcrum, R. (sepelio, to bury). A sepulchre, the general term for any kind of tomb in which the dead were buried, or in which their ashes were deposited in urns.Sepulcrum familiare, a sepulchre erected for a single person, or for the members of a family. Thesepulcrum communewas a tomb held in common by a number of persons belonging either to a single family, or several families, or a group of individuals, such as that given in Fig.182, which represents the tomb of the freedmen of Octavia.

Sequin(It.zecchino). A gold coin in Italy, worth about 9s.6d.; and in Turkey worth about 3s.6d.

Sera, R. (sero, to fasten). A padlock or movable lock to a door.

Serapeum, Egyp. (σαραπεῖον). A general term for sepulchral monuments in Egypt, but more especially that of Memphis. (Bosc.)

Seraph; pl.Seraphim, Heb. (SeeAngels,Cherubim.) “They are usually represented with wings and a flaming heart, to typify spiritual emotion and divine affection; or covered all over with eyes, to denote their knowledge of all human events as counsellors of the Most High. The Seraph’s head in Heraldry, is usually delineated with six wings, two above and two below, which cross each other, and one on each side of the head.” (Fairholt.)

Serges, Chr. Fr. The large wax candles used in churches. They are often covered with texts and devices.

Seria, R. An earthenware vessel used chiefly for holding wine and oil; it was larger than the amphora, and smaller than thedolium.

Serpent.A musical wind instrument, of a powerful bass; invented by a French priest at Auxerre in 1590.

Serpent.(1) In Christian archæology an emblem of the principle of evil; the Virgin Mary is frequently represented trampling on the head of the serpent. It is especially a symbol of cunning, lying, and envy. (2) Generally. The serpent with its tail in its mouth describes a circle which is the symbol of eternity. In Classic Art it is an attribute of Æsculapius, and of Apollo; and a symbol of theGenius Loci(esp. of temples, &c.).

Serpentine Versesbegin and end with the same word:

“Ambo florentes ætatibus, Arcades ambo.”

Serrated.Having an edge like the teeth of a saw (serra).

Set-offs, Arch. The mouldings and slopes onbuttresses, dividing them into stages.

Settingdrawings in pencil or crayon is done by simply passing them through a dish of milk, or by washing the surface with a weak solution of isinglass.

Severey, Arch. A bay, or compartment in a vaulted ceiling.

Fig. 609. Sèvres Vase, with jewelled ornament.

Sèvres Porcelain.The celebrated manufactory at Sèvres was established in 1756. Soon afterwards it became the property of the king, Louis XV., and was much patronized both by him and Madame de Pompadour. Some of the first artists of France were employed to decorate the plaques and vases, and the productions of this factory are more highly prized than any others in the world. In 1870 threejardinièreswere sold by auction in London for over 10,000l.The finest colours of this porcelain were thebleu du roiand therose de Pompadour.

Sewer.(SeeCloaca.)

Sextans, R. (sextus, sixth). A copper coin worth the tenth of an as, in weight about two ounces (unciæ).

Sextant.The sixth part of a circle; an arc of 60 degrees.

Sextarius, R. (sextus). A measure of capacity used for liquids, grain, &c.; it held the tenth of aCongius(q.v.).

Sextertius, R. A coin originally of silver, and afterwards of fine copper (aurichalcum); it was worth two ases and a half.

Sextula, R. The sixth part of the ounce (uncia); the smallest denomination of Roman money.

Sforzato(It.). In Music; with force, louder than the rest.

SfregazziorSfregature, It. By this term is meant a peculiar thin kind of glazing, which is executed by dipping the finger into the colour, and drawing it once lightly and evenly along the part of the picture on which it is to be applied—such as the shade on the cheek, the limbs, &c., or wherever it is wished to lay a soft thin shadow. (ConsultMrs. Merrifield,Ancient Practice of Painting, vol. ii. p. 879.)

Sgraffito, It. (lit. scratched). A method of painting on stucco, in which a ground of dark stucco is covered with a coat of white, and the design is formed by scraping this away for the shadows. (Consult an article byMr. Alan Colein theHouse Furnisher and Decorator, May 10, 1873.)

Fig. 610. Shackle.

ShackleandPadlock, Her. A badge of the Yorkist party during the wars of the Roses; called also aFetter-lock.

Shades.(SeeUmbræ.)

Shaft, Arch. The part of the column comprised between the base and the capital.

Shaft, O. E. The May-pole. May-poles seem to have existed in most villages until the Civil War. They were abolished by an ordinance of the Long Parliament, April 6, 1644, as heathenish vanities “generally abused to superstition and wickednesse.”

Shaftman, O. E. A measure roughly six inches; “the measure of the fist with the thumb set up.” (Ray, 1674.)

Shagreen.A grained leather prepared from the skin of a species of shark, and stained green. A close imitation is made from horses’ or asses’ skins, in Russia, and dyed red, blue, or black.

ShalmorShawm. A musical instrument, a pipe with a reed in the mouth-hole.

Shamrock, Her. A trefoil plant or leaf, the badge of Ireland.

Shard, O. E. A piece of broken pottery. (It has other meanings. ConsultHalliwell.)

Shay-le, Chin. A relic of Buddha.

Fig. 611. Sheaf. Device of Alphonso d’Avalos.

Sheaf.(1) A bundle of ripe corn bound up in the field; the device assumed by Alfonso d’Avalos, when he was made captain-general of the army of Charles V., with the motto implying incessant devotion to his work,—that, as soon as one harvest is reaped, its successor must be sown. (2) A bunch of twenty-four arrows, enough to fill a quiver.

Sheep.In Christian art, the twelve apostles occur in early mosaics as twelve sheep, and our Lord in the midst as their Shepherd.

Shekel.A Jewish coin, value about 2s.6d.

Shell, Chr. In Gallic as in Christian tombs shells are of frequent occurrence; there is no doubt that they symbolize the resurrection, the body of man being looked upon as a shell which he leaves behind him at death. Different kinds of shell are met with, but that of most frequent occurrence is the common snail-shell (helix pomatia). (SeeEscallop.)

Shell-cameos.Cameos carved on shells. These are certain conch shells or strombs, the substance of which consists of two distinct layers of different colours. The black conch offers the most decided contrast in the colours.

Shell-lac.Crude lac-resin melted into plates orshales. (SeeLac.)

Shenti, Egyp. A short pair of drawers, fastened round the hips by a belt, worn by the ancient Egyptians.

Shepherd’s Crook.(SeePedum.)

Shepherds.(SeeHycsos.)

Shingles.Wooden tiles; frequently used for church spires.

Ship.A symbol of the Church. (SeeNavette.)

Shoes.The shoes worn by the Greeks generally reached to the middle of the leg; theRomanshad thecalceusand thesoleaor sandal; the former was worn with the toga on ordinary occasions; the sandal on a journey or at a feast; but it was considered effeminate to appear in public with them. Black shoes were worn by the citizens of ordinary rank (seeAtramentum,Chalcanthum), and white ones (sometimes red) by the women; on ceremonial occasions the magistrates wore red shoes. Patricians and their children wore a crescent shoe-buckle (seeLuna). Slaves went barefooted. The Jews had shoes of leather, wood, &c., tied with thongs passed under the soles of the feet; to “untie the latchets” of a man’s shoes was a sign of deep subservience. In ancient as in modern times the Oriental peoples put off their shoes as we uncover the head. (ConsultHerbert Spencer on Ceremonies.)

Shop.(SeeTaberna.)

Fig. 612. Shrine of the Three Kings in Cologne Cathedral. 13th century.

Shrine.A repository for relics; either fixed, as a tomb; or movable, as aferetory. (See Fig.307.) The Shrine of the Three Kings in Cologne Cathedral is one of the most celebrated and costly in the world. (Fig.612.)

Sibina,Sibyna, Gr. and R. (σιβύνη). A kind of boar-spear employed in hunting.

Sibylline(Books), R. The Sibylline books were a series of oracles of the destiny of the Roman Empire; they were three in number, and were placed by Tarquin in a vault of the temple of Jupiter Capitolinus, and were consulted in cases of difficulty by an order of the senate. They perished in 670A.U.C., when the Capitol was burnt. A set of Sibylline oracles in existence, which predict very clearly the establishment of the Christian religion, have been ascertained to be a forgery of the 2nd century of the Christian era.

Sibyls, Gr. and R. (Σίβυλλα). Prophetesses of antiquity recognized by the ancient Christian Church, and a common object of symbolical ecclesiastical sculpture, with reference to their foreknowledge of the fulfilment of inspired prophecy; they are twelve in number, having each a proper emblem. (Cf.Smith and Cheetham.)

Sica, R. (dimin.sicilla). A curved dagger or scimitar; distinct fromPugio, a straight dagger. It was the weapon preferred by thieves and assassins on account of the convenience of its shape for concealment. (From this word our Englishsickleis derived.)

Siccative.A synonym forDrying(q.v.).

Sicilis, R. A sickle.

Sienite.A statuary marble from Syene (Assouan) on the Nile.

Sienna,Terra di Sienna. A brown pigment. (SeeOchres.)

Sigilla, R. (dimin. ofsignum, an image), (1) A seal or signet. (2) Small sculptured or moulded bosses, used to decorate vases or architecture. (3) Small statuettes, called alsoSigillaria.

Sigillaria, R. (1) The last days of the festival of the Saturnalia, whensigilla, or statuettes of gold and silver or terra-cotta, were offered to Saturn, and amongst the people, as presents to each other.

Sigillatus, R. Ornamented or decorated withsigilla. (SeeSigillum.)

Sigla, It. (contraction ofsigilla). A conventional sign used instead of a word or phrase; such as = forequal to, and + forplus;A.U.C.forab urbe conditâ, &c.

Sigma, R. A semicircular couch, so called because it assumed the form of the GreekΣ, which was originally written like our C. Hence, the seat which ran round the walls of thePiscinain a bath. (SeeStibadium.)

Signa Militaria.(SeeEnsigns.)

Signature, in printing, is a letter put at the bottom of the first page in every sheet, as a direction to the binder in collating them.

Signets.(SeeRings.)

Signinum(opus), R. A kind of concrete for floorings, invented atSignia, and formed of broken tiles consolidated with mortar, and levelled with a pavior’s beetle.

Signum, R. A general term for any kind of sign or mark by which anything can be recognized; such as an image or figure, the intaglio on a ring, the sign of a shop, or a military standard or ensign (signa militaria), as represented in Fig.665.

Fig. 613. Wall of Silex.

Silex, R. In general a flint or flint-stone, and thence, by extension, any kind of hard stone hewn into polygonal blocks, as shown in Fig.613.

Silhouette, Fr. A profile portrait, or representation of the shape contained in the outline of an object, with no attempt to fill in the parts.

Silicernium, Gr. and R. A funeral feast in honour of the dead.

Silicious Wares.(SeePottery.)

SillorCillof a window or door. TheLimen Inferius(q.v.).

Fig. 614. Silver-gilt dish and ewer; the property of St. John’s College, Cambridge. (Work of the late 17th century.)

Silver.The history of working in silver is identical with that of Goldsmiths’ work in general. (SeeGold.)Pollenremarks that though Phidias and his contemporaries made great statues of gold, many artists who devoted themselves mainly and altogether to working in the precious metals executed their best work in silver. Silver was also largely used for the surfaces of mirrors, which were hung on the walls of temples. The best collection of antique silver plate was found at Hildesheim, in Germany, in 1869, and is now in the Berlin Museum. The silver stoup (Fig.615) belonging to the Corporation of Norwich, is of the time of Elizabeth. The illustration (Fig.614) of the silver dish and ewer at St. John’s College (1670), is representative of the change that the goldsmiths’ style underwent about the middle of the 17th century, after which time the light and graceful leaf work gave way to heavier designs. (ConsultPollen,Gold and Silversmiths’ Work.)

Fig. 615. Silver tankard of the 16th century. (Belonging to the Norwich Corporation.)

Silver.In Christian art, an emblem of purity. (SeeWhite.) As one of the twometalsamong thetincturesof Heraldry, represented by a white space. (SeeArgent.)

Silver, Cloth of.Josephus tells us that the royal robe of Herod Agrippa was a tunic made of silver. In the Middle Ages it was woven, like gold, in long narrow shreds unmixed with anything else, into a web for garments.

Sima, Arch. (SeeCyma.)

Simikion, Gr. (σιμίκιον). A musical instrument of the Greeks; it had thirty-five strings.

SimpulumorSimpuvium, R. A small cup used for libations. It was in the form of a ladle with a long handle.

Sinciput.The front part of the head. The back part is theocciput.

Sindon(σινδών). (SeeCorporal.)

Singing-bread, Chr. The larger altar breads used in the mass were calledsinging-bread; the smaller ones consecrated for the people were known ashouseling bread. (See alsoHoly Bread.)

Sinister, Her. The left side of a shield (considered from the back, or wearer’s point of view). Thebendletorbaton sinisteris generally (not rigorously) regarded in modern Heraldry as the most appropriatedifferenceof illegitimacy. (ConsultBoutell’s English Heraldry, p. 194.)

Sinopia.A fine red pigment found upon ancient mural paintings.

SinumorSinus, R. A vessel of small dimensions, but tolerably wide and deep, which was used for holding wine or milk.

Siparium, R. The curtain of a theatre. It was divided in the middle and withdrawn to the sides to disclose the stage.

Sipho, Gr. (σίφων, a hollow body). A siphon for exhausting liquids from a vessel by the pressure of the atmosphere. A painting at Thebes shows that the principle of the siphon was known to the Egyptians as early as the eighteenth dynasty. The same name was applied to a suction and forcing pump, which was generally employed as a fire-engine.

Sirens(Gr.Σειρῆνες[probably fromσειρὰ, achain, to signify their attractive power]). These mythical representatives of the evil side of the seductive power of music, are represented in art as lovely women to the waist, and fishes or birds below. Sometimes they have wings, which the Muses are said to have plucked (seeMuses) of their feathers; as Orpheus, by opening their minds to the unattainable higher music, drove them to suicide in the end. In Christian symbolism the sirens typify the three carnal lusts. (See Fig.455.)

Sirpea.(SeeScirpea.)

Sispa-sastra, Hind. A Hindoo work, the title of which means literally the science of manual art. It was a kind of encyclopædia, and comprised about thirty treatises on the manual arts, and included a treatise on architecture written by a Hindoo whose name has not come down to us; but a sage or mage called Dupayana compiled, abridged, and edited, about 1500B.C., the lost treatise of the Hindoo architect. (Bosc.)

Sistrum, Egyp. (σεῖστρον;σείω, to shake). A kind of rattle formed by a certain number of metallic rods which passed through a framework also of metal; this was attached to a short handle ending in a head of Athor. By shaking the instrument by the handle the metallic rods and the movable rings suspended from them were made to give out a sharp rattling sound. The Egyptians made use of the sistrum in the ceremonial worship of Isis and at funerals. Roman coins of Hadrian present a personification of Egypt as a female figure seated with the sacred ibis at her feet, and asistrumin her hand. The instrument is still in use on the Nile.

Sitella.Diminutive ofSitula(q.v.).

Situla, R. A bucket for drawing water from a well.

Situlus.Synonym ofSitula(q.v.).

Fig. 616. Sixfoil.

Sixfoil, Her. A flower of six leaves.

Sizeis used to prepare paper for printing upon, and as avehiclein oil painting. (SeeDistemper.)

Skeens, Celtic. Long sharp knives; “sheen dubh,” black knife, the Highlander’sdernier ressort.

Skinning, in Masonry. (SeeRegrating.)

Skirophorion.(SeeScirophorium.)

Sling.(SeeBalea,Funda.)

Slipped, Her. Pulled or torn off.

Smalt.A vitreous substance coloured by cobalt, used for painting on china, not being affected by fire. It makes also a bad pigment in water-colour painting, and is largely used for giving a blue tinge to writing-paper, linen, &c. (SeeCobalt.)

Smalti, It. Cubes of coloured glass applied in the modernMosaics.

Snail, Chr. In Christian iconography the snail is an emblem of sloth and of the resurrection.

Snood(A.S.snôd). A head-band for ladies, of the Anglo-Saxon period, similar to that now used by young unmarried women in Scotland.

Soapstone.(SeeSteatite.)

Socculus.Diminutive ofsoccus.

Soccus, Gr. and R. A slipper worn in Greece both by men and women, but at Rome by women only. It was worn by actors upon the stage.

Socle, Arch. A plain block or plinth forming a low pedestal to a column; or a plinth round the bottom of a wall.

Soffit, Arch. The flat surface on the lower side of an arch or cornice.

Solarium, R. (sol, the sun). (1) A sun-dial; (2) a water-clock or clepsydra (solarium ex aquâ); (3) a terrace constructed on the top of a house or portico.

Soldurii, Gaul. A body of Gallic warriors forming aClanunder one chief.

Solea, R. and Chr. (solum, sole of the foot). A sandal of the simplest kind, consisting of a sole fastened on with straps over the instep.Solea ferrea, a horse-shoe, orsoccusof iron;solea sparta, a sock of Spanish broom for the feet of beasts of burden or of cattle;solea lignea, wooden clogs fastened to the feet of criminals. Lastly the term denoted a machine for crushing olives, the nature and shape of which are entirely unknown. In Christian archæology, the termsoleawas used to denote, in the early basilicas, a space in front of the choir.

Soler(Lat.solarium; A.S.up-flor). The upper floor of a house, approached by astaeger(Ang. stair) outside.

Soles of the Feet, Egyp. and Chr. On a great number of Christian tombs there occur representations of the soles of the feet. This symbol has been variously explained. In our opinion, one which has never been broached before, it denoted that the dead were in the power of God; for among the Egyptians, whenever a god or powerful king was spoken of, it was said of him that he put his enemies under the sole of his foot. Ezekiel uses the same terms in speaking of Jehovah. Whenever an Egyptian went on a pilgrimage to a distant place, he never left the country without engraving on some stone the impression of his feet, to which he added his name and titles. (Bosc.)

SoliferreumorSolliferreum, R. A javelin made entirely of massive iron.

Solium, R. This term denotes (1) a chair or arm-chair with a high back; (2) a bier of wood or terra-cotta for a dead body; (3) the granite or marble seat in an ancient bath.

Solstice.The time when the sun appears tostand still, at one of the solstitial points, i. e. at his greatest distance from the equator; the summer solstice is the longest day, June 22nd; the winter solstice December 22nd, in the North Hemisphere; reversed in the South.

Sonata, Ital. A piece of music with various movements, composed for a single instrument with or without accompaniment.Sonate di camera, sonatas adapted for chamber music;sonate de chiesa, for churches.

Sonnachiosi of Bologna.One of the Italian Academies, having for their device a bear, which sleeps through the winter; and the mottospero avanzar con la vigilia il sonno. (I hope by vigils to make up for sleep.)

Sorrows of the Virgin.(SeeJoys of the Virgin.)

Sortes, R. Lots; small tablets or counters thrown into aSitellaor urn full of water, and withdrawn for soothsaying.

Soteria, Gr. and R. (σωτήρια, i. e. of saving). Sacrifices in honour of the gods offered by way of thanksgiving for escape from any danger.

Sounding-board, Chr. A sort of dome or canopy, placed above pulpits to convey the voice of the preacher to his auditory. In the centre of the lower part of the canopy there is often a carved dove, symbolizing the Holy Ghost. Sounding-boards must be placed five feet above the speaker’s head, and their diameter should exceed that of the pulpit by six to eight inches on either side.

Soutane, Fr. A white woollen cassock, worn by priests under therochet.

Sow, Chr. In Christian iconography, the sow is a symbol of evil, impurity, gluttony, and fecundity. It is borne in the crest of Hamilton, Duke of Hamilton, with the motto, “Through.”

Span.Of an arch, the breadth between the imposts.

Spandril, Arch. The triangular space between the upper arch of a door and the square mouldings which form a frame to it.

Spangles, of gold and silver, were, in the Middle Ages, artistically shaped concave, and sewed on like tiles, one overlapping the other, producing a rich and pleasing effect. Our present flat spangles are quite modern.

Spanish Black.A pigment of burnt cork.

Spanish Brown.(SeeOchre.)

Spanish Ferreto.A rich reddish-brown pigment.

Spanish Red.An ochreous red pigment, yellower than theVenetian red.

Spanish Stitch.A kind of embroidery introduced into England by Katharine of Aragon in 1501.

Span-roof, Arch. Havingtwoinclined sides; not apent-roof.

Spartea.(SeeSolea.)

Sparum, R. A weapon specially employed by the agricultural population, whence its name ofsparum agreste, telum rusticum. It was a kind of halberd. A formsparuswas also in use.

Spatha, Gr. and R. (σπάθη). (1) Abattenor wooden blade used by weavers for beating the threads of the woof. (2) The spatula of a druggist or chemist. (3) A long, broad, two-edged sword, with a sharp point.

Spathalium, Gr. and R. (σπαθάλιον:). A kind of bracelet with bells attached, so that it bore some resemblance to the flower-sheath of the palm-tree (spatha), whence its name.

Speak-house, O. E. A parlour.

Spean, Hind. A monumental bridge, of no great height, among the Khmers or ancient inhabitants of Cambodgia. The balustrade of this bridge was formed by means ofNagagas(q.v.).

Spear, Her., is seldom seen in blazon, though it appears as a “punning device” in the arms granted to Shakspeare’s father. (SeeLance,Cuspis, &c.)

Specillum, R. A surgeon’s probe, of iron, bronze, or silver.

Spectra.Impressions which remain for a time on the retina of the eye, after looking at certain bright and coloured objects. They are either similar in colour and form to the objects which excited them, or vary according to the laws of the spectrum; e.g. if the eye is fixed on aredwafer, lying on a sheet ofwhitepaper, it will appear fringed with a faintgreen; then if, after a time, the eye is turned to another part of the paper, where there is no wafer, agreenwafer will appear.

Spectrum.The series of colours that a beam of white light slips into under refraction:—red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet.

Specula, R. A watch-tower.

Specularia, Gr. and R. Window-panes made with a kind of transparent stone (lapis specularis).

Speculum, R. (specio, to behold). A mirror; they were made in ancient times of a white composition of copper and tin, and afterwards of silver. The back of the mirror was decorated with beautiful engraved or enchased designs. There were also glass mirrors backed with a thin leaf of metal. Mirrors were not contrived to be hung against a wall, or to stand on a table, but were generally held by female slaves in front of their mistresses. (SeeMirrors.)

Specus, R. Originally a dark grotto or cave; later the covered canal of an aqueduct.

Spence, O. E. The buttery attached to the hall; 13th, 14th century.

Speos, Egyp. (σπέος).Hypogeaor subterranean Egyptian temples.Hemispeoswas the name given to temples built partly above and partly under the ground.

Sperlings, O. E. Sprats.

Sperthe, O. E. A battle-axe.

Spetum, Med. A kind ofPartisan, but narrower and lighter.

Sphæristerium, Gr. and R. (σφαιριστήριον, lit. place for ball). An apartment attached to a gymnasium or set of baths for playing with balls.

Sphæromachia, Gr. and R. (σφαιρο-μαχία). A game of ball.

Sphendone, Gr. A band or fillet with which Greek ladies confined their hair. (SeeDiadema,Hair, &c.)

Fig. 617. Andro-Sphinx.

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