X.
(The syllableξυν-in Greek is generally rendered Syn,q.v.)
X.The Roman numeral for ten.
Xanthian Marbles.Sculptures found in 1838 at Xanthus, in ancient Lycia, now in the British Museum. The figures are Assyrian in character, and of a date not later than 500B.C.Besides the so called Harpy tomb (seeHarpies), there are sieges, processions, and many figures, in the energetic action so remarkable in the Nineveh sculptures. Most of the figures are in profile; but the eyes, like those of Egyptian sculptures, are shown in full.
Xebec.A small lateen-rigged three-masted vessel, common in the Mediterranean.
Xenagia, Gr. (ξεναγία). A subdivision of the Greek army consisting of 256 men, and subdivided into four tetrarchies, commanded by theXenagos, an officer appointed by the Spartans, who had the control of the armies of the Greek states.
Xenia, Gr. (ξένια, lit. friendly gifts). (1) Delicacies, dainties, or pastry which were sent to one another by the Greeks and Romans as a pledge of friendship, chiefly during the Saturnalia. (2) Decorations to the walls ofguest-chambers consisting of paintings ofstill liferepresenting game, fruits, fish, and flowers.
Xenodochium, R. (ξενο-δοχεῖον). A low Latin term for a hospice intended for the reception of pilgrims and sick persons. Childebert founded axenodochiumat Lyons in the 6th century.
Xerophagia, Chr. (ξηρο-φαγία). A six days’ fast throughout Holy Week, during which the Christians of the primitive Church ate only bread with a little salt, and drank nothing but water.
Xestes, Gr. (Lat. Sextarius). A Greek measure of capacity; very nearly apint; equivalent to the LatinSextarius.
Xoïtes, Egyp. A nome or division of Lower Egypt, the capital of which wasKhsonou; Ammon-Ra was the principal deity there worshipped.
Xylography.Wood-engraving (q.v.).
Xylon, Gr. (lit. wood). A Greek measure of length, equal to 4 feet and 6·6 inches.
Xylopyrography.Poker-painting; the art of burning pictures on to wood.
Xyneciæ, Gr. (συν-οίκια). Festivals held at Athens in honour of Minerva, to commemorate the union of the inhabitants of Attica into a single city. These festivals were instituted by Theseus, and held every year in the month of July. Another name for them wasMetœciæ(μετοίκιαι).
Xystus, Gr. (ξυστός). A covered place situated near a portico, within which, in a palæstra or stadium, athletes went through their exercises. Pausanias tells us that this part of the stadium received its name from the fact that Hercules used every day to clear out the palæstra at Elis in order to inure himself to toil, and that he tore up many weeds by scraping (ξύω, to scrape,ξυστός). The baths and thermæ at Rome were furnished with large xysti, in which young men went through a number of exercises. The termxystuswas also generally applied by the Romans to the beds of rare flowers and shrubs in the centre of the peristyle; it also denoted a garden walk perfectly straight, and planted in a regular style; and lastly, an open walk or terrace in a garden attached to any building.