Chapter C (3)

=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 the _coat armour_ worn by the figures.

=Cob.= Irish name of a Spanish coin formerly current in Ireland; value about 4_s._ 8_d._

=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 as _Rinmann’s green_, is similarly prepared. The chloride, the nitrate, and the sulphate of cobalt form _sympathetic 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, called _Thenard’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 of _smalt_ is the blue colouring matter used for ornamenting porcelain and earthenware, for staining glass, for painting on enamel, &c.

=Cobalt-bloom.= (See ERYTHRINE.)

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

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

=Cochineal.= (See CARMINE.)

=Cochineal Lakes.= (See CARMINATED 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 Italian _ruota_, by which persons can be introduced through a wall without opening a door; also a spiral staircase, &c.

=Cochlear=, =Cochleare= (from κόχλος, 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 to BASILISK.)

=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. Ancient _cockets_ bear 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 coctilis_ was a brick hardened artificially by fire, in contradistinction to one dried in the sun; _murus coctilis_, a wall built of hardened bricks. (See ACAPNA.)

=Cocurra=, Med. Lat. A quiver.

=Cocytia= (from Κωκυτὸς, 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 (also _pod_).

=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 mean _code_, 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. of CODEX, q.v.). A small book, or small leaves of wood covered with wax. The plural _codicilli_ denoted 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 called _codicillus_ (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_); introduced _temp._ 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, from κοιμάω, i. e. a sleeping-place; Lat _dormitorium_). This term is an exclusively Christian one; it signifies a field of rest or refuge; the last resting-place of man. (See HYPOGÆUM.)

=Cœna= (from Sanscr. _khad-_, to eat). The principal meal among the Romans, consisting of several courses termed respectively _prima_, _altera_ or _secunda_, _tertia_, _quarta cœna_. The hour at which the _cœna_ took 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 the _jentaculum_ (breakfast), and the _merenda_ or _prandium_ (luncheon or early dinner). The corresponding Greek meal was called _deipnon_, which closed with a libation to Zeus; after which the drinking party that remained was called _Symposium_. (See LAST SUPPER.)

=Cœnaculum.= In early times this term was used for the TRICLINIUM (q.v.); later on it came to mean the upper stories of houses inhabited by the poor, our attic or garret. In the plural, _cœnacula_ denotes the whole suite of rooms on the upper story of a house, and _cœnacula meritoria_ such apartments let out on hire.

=Cœnatio=, like _cœnaculum_, a dining-room situated upstairs. It thus differed from the TRICLINIUM (q.v.), which was a dining-room on the ground floor; the former was used in winter, the latter in summer. The _cœnatio_, or _diæta_, 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=, and =Trèfle=. 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 from _Chœur_. (See COPPE and CHATRANG.)

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

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

=Cognizance=, Her. Synonym for _Badge_.

=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.

=Coif= or =Quoif=. 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.= (See COIN.)

=Coin= or =Coigne=, Arch. The corner of a building. (See QUOIN.)

=Coin-stones=, Arch. Corner-stones.

=Cointise= or =Quintise=. (1) A scarf wrapped round the body, and sometimes attached to the helmet. (2) Quaintly-cut coverings for the helmet. Fig. 177 represents a helmet decorated with PANACHE, CORO. E., and _cointise_. This is the origin of _mantling_ in heraldry. (3) A garment worn over armour, _temp._ Edward II., was so termed. (4) Horses’ caparisons.

=Colatorium.= A colander. (See COLLUM VINARIUM.)

=Colayn Riban=, O. E. An ecclesiastical textile, or _orphrey web_, for the manufacture of which Cologne was famous in the 15th century.

=Colcothar of Vitriol.= A red pigment formerly called _caput mortuum_.

=Cold-harbour.= This common topical name is the Anglo-Saxon _ceald-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. The ANNULET (q.v.). (See also COLLAR-BEAM.)

=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 variously _streptos_ (στρεπτὸς), _torquis_, _torques_, &c. Collars were ornamented with heraldic _badges_ in the Middle Ages. (3) Heraldic. One of the insignia of the orders of knighthood. (See Fig. 178.)

=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 the _Hetairiai_. The _collegia_ included trade companies or guilds.

=Collet.= The setting which surrounds the stone of a ring. (See CRAMPON.)

=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 the IMPLUVIUM.

=Colliciaris= (sc. _tegula_). A hollow tile employed in the construction of _colliciæ_.

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

=Collum Vinarium= (from _collum_, 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 their _colla_ allowed a camel to pass, while they kept back a gnat. Snow was put into a strainer or a bag, called respectively _collum 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 called _vinum saccatum_. The Christian Church from the first adopted this instrument in its liturgy; another name for it was _colatorium_. (See NASSA.) The colander for wine was made of silver, or bronze, or other metal. The linen cloth called _saccus_ was 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 called PUTEUS (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 of κολλύρα, q.v.). A head-dress worn by Roman ladies, resembling in shape the bread called κολλύρα; the latter was called κολλυρὶς as well.

=Collyrium= (κολλύριον, dimin. of κολλύρα, q.v.). (1) A term denoting anything we should now call an unguent, but especially the salve _collyrium_, which was a liquid medicament. (2) _Collyria_ was 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.

=Colobium= (from κολοβὸς, 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. The _colobium_ appears to have been the first dress adopted by Christian deacons, and in the liturgical writings it is often met with under the name of _levitonarium_; when it was of fine linen, it was also called _lebiton_ and _lebitonarium_. (Fig. 181.) Later on the sleeves were lengthened, and it became known as the DALMATIC (q.v.).

=Cologne Black.= (See BLACK.)

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

=Colonica.= Synonym of _villa 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. (See NEUMES.)

=Colores Austeri.= Ancient pigments, not _floridi_.

=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 on _symbolic colours_ is the “Essay” of M. Portal. One of the best on the _theory of colours_ is that of Chevreuil.

=Colubrina=, Med. Lat. (from _coluber_, 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.

=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. 182 represents the numerous _columbaria_ in 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 minute _columbaria_, in which only lamps were placed. Fig. 183 represents cells of this character taken from the tomb of _Quoublet-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 called TYMPANUM (q.v.).

=Columella.= Dimin. of _columna_. (See COLUMN, CIPPUS.)

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

=Column=, Arch. A column consists of three principal parts: the base (_a_), the shaft (_b_), and the capital (_c_). In the _Doric_, 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 columns _tapers_ gradually from the base to the capital. Any swelling introduced to modify the straightness of the line was called _entasis_. On the summit of a row of columns rests the _architrave_, or chief beam (_d_); above this the _frieze_ (_e_), and the _cornice_ (_f_) projects above the frieze. These three together are called the _entablature_. The triangular gable-end of the roof, above the entablature, is called the _pediment_. A circuit of columns, enclosing an open space in the interior of a building, was called a _peristyle_. A temple of two stories, with one peristyle upon another (Ionic or Corinthian columns over the heavier Doric), was called _hypæthral_. 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_, or _lana amicta_ were the epithets applied to a _colus_ when filled with wool. The thread obtained from it was called _stamen_. The ball of loose wool at one end, prepared for spinning, was called _glomus_. The lower end of the distaff rested under the left arm; the right hand spun and wound the thread on to the spindles (called _fusus_). (See DISTAFF.)

=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. (See CÆSARIES, CINCINNUS, HAIR, &c.)

=Comatorius= or =Comatoria= (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 Acus CRINALIS (q.v.). (Compare DISCERNICULUM.)

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

=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. (See DISCERNICULUM.)

=Commentaculum= (from _commento_, 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. _Commotaculum_ was also used.

=Commissatio= (from _commissor_, to revel). A revelling or feasting which began after the CŒNA (q.v.), and lasted far on into the night. (See SYMPOSIUM.)

=Commistio= or =Commixtio=, 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 the _Lares 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 the _complement_ of the remaining portion. _Red_ is complementary to _Green_, _Orange_ to _Blue_, _Greenish-Yellow_ to _Violet_, _Indigo_ to _Orange Yellow_, and, in each case, _vice versâ_.

=Completorium=, Chr. The last of the _Hours of Prayer_.

=Compline=, Chr. Short evening prayers completing the daily round of devotion prescribed by the _Hours of Prayer_.

=Compluvium=, R. An opening in the roof of the _atrium_, 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.

=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 clustered COLUMN (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, from κόπτω, 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 to _convex_, 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 the _buccina_, remarkable for a spiral twist, long and straight; or the _murex_, 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. of κόνδυλος, 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 a _condyle_; and

=Condylus.= Synonym of CONDALIUM (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 the _base_ and _capital_ of a column to its shaft.

=Congius= (deriv. doubtful). A Roman measure containing six _sextarii_ or twelve _heminæ_. It was used especially for measuring liquids. _Angl._ a pint and a half.

=Conic Sections.= Curves formed by the intersection of a _cone_ and a _plane_; 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). The _conisterium_ was an appendage to a palæstrum, gymnasium, &c.

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

=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 called _consignatorium 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 in A. 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. (See COASSATIO.)

=Consualia=, R. A festival of ancient Rome held in honour of the god _Consus_. 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 the _toga_, _palla_, and _pallium_.

=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. (See COINTISE.)

=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 the _contour_, 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, signifies _an 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. (See ACCLAMATIONS.)

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

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

=Contrapuntal=, Mus. Relating to COUNTERPOINT (q.v.).

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

=Contrepoint=, O. E. (See POURPOINT.)

=Contubernium=, R. (1) A tent capable of accommodating ten soldiers and their corporal (_decanus_). (2) A dwelling-place, especially for slaves. Hence _contubernales_ came 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 the _cœna_, but which was never followed by a _commissatio_. (See CŒNA, 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. (See BATTLEMENT.)

=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. (See VARNISH.)

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

=Cope=, Chr. A sacerdotal garment, also called a _pluvial_, 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 as CUCULLA.

=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. 77 two 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 English _coffin_.

=Coppa Puerpera=, It. Caudle-cup.

=Coppe= (It.), =Cups= (Sp. _copa_). The early Italian suit of playing cards corresponding to hearts. The _Rev. E. S. Taylor_ suggests, “The notion of hearts, as the seat of the affections, &c., is in connexion with the office of the _clergy_;” hence the _chalices_. (See CŒUR.)

=Copped=, O. E. Crested. (For COP-HEAD, q.v.)

=Copperas= (white) is considered the safest metallic _drier_ for pigments and varnish.

=Copper-enamelling.= (Fig. 188.) (See ENAMELS.)

=Copper-plate Engraving.= (See CHALCOGRAPHY.)

=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).

=Cops= or =Merlons=, 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= (see AMULETS) 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 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 called CORBIE 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.= (See CORBEL 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 called _onerariæ_.

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

=Corbula.= Dimin. of CORBIS (q.v.).

=Corce=, O. E. The body, stomach.

“He start to hym with gret force,
And hyt hym egurly on the _corce_!”
(_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 the _cordax_.

=Cordeliers=, Fr. The Franciscan friars are so called from the _rope_ girdles they wear.

=Cordevan=, O. E. A leather of goat-skin, originally from Cordova in Spain. Spelt also _Cordewayne_; hence _cordwainer_ or _cordiner_, a shoemaker.

=Cordigard=, Med. (from the French _corps de garde_). A detachment of troops appointed for a particular service.

=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. 189 is 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.

=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.

=Cork= burned forms the pigment called _Spanish Black_.

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

=Cornal.= The head of a tilting-lance. (See CORONEL.)

=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. (See SARDS.)

=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 having _corners_, or angular extremities. (5) An obsolete musical instrument, once in common use in Germany and in England, something like a HAUTBOY, but larger and of a coarser tone. (See WAITS.)

=Cornice.= (See CORONIS.)

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

=Corniculum=, R. (dimin. of _cornu_, 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=, and =Cornum=, R. (1) The horn of an animal. (2) Any object made of horn or of a horn-like shape. The musical _cornu_ was curved; the straight horn was called _tuba_.

=Cornu Altaris= (horn of the altar), in Christian archæology, means merely the _corner_ or _angle_ thereof. _Cornu Evangelii_ is the angle to the left, _c. Epistolæ_ that 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. of CORONA, q.v.). The _corolla_ denoted 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. of CORONA, q.v.). It denoted especially a wreath made out of thin metal leaves, which the audience in a theatre presented to their favourite actors.

=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 of _coronæ_, of which the principal were the following: _corona civica_; _corona classica_, _navalis_, or _rostrata_; _corona castrensis_ or _vallaris_; _corona longa_; _corona muralis_; _corona obsidionalis_; _corona natalitia_; _corona oleagina_; _corona ovalis_; _corona pactilis_, _plectilis_, or _plexilis_; _corona triumphalis_; _corona sutilis_, &c. The most honourable was the _c. 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. The _c. civica_ was presented to a Roman soldier who had saved the life of a citizen in battle. It was made of oak leaves. The _c. navalis_ was made of gold. The _c. muralis_, presented to the first man over the wall of a besieged city, was also made of gold, and it was ornamented with turrets. The _c. castrensis_, presented to the first soldier who forced an entrance into an enemy’s camp, was of gold ornamented with palisades. Of the _c. triumphalis_ there 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. The _c. ovalis_, to commemorate an ovation to an officer, was made of myrtle leaves. The _c. oleagina_, of olive leaves, was given to common soldiers. Besides these, there were the various sacerdotal _coronæ_, emblematical of their functions: the funereal chaplets of leaves and flowers for the dead, called _c. funebres_ or _sepulchrales_; 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 the _c. natalitia_ suspended 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. (See CROWN.)

=Corona= or =Drip-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.

=Coronets.= Ensigns of nobility worn upon the head, introduced into England about the middle of the 14th century. (See BARON, 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.

=Coronis= (κορωνίς). Anything curved; the _cornice_ of an entablature.

=Coronize= (Gr. κορωνίζω, from κορώνη, a crow). To beg for the crow; said of strollers who went about begging with a crow, singing begging songs. (See CHELIDONIZE.)

=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 at _lake-wakes_.

=Corpse-gate= or =Lich-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. (See CORCE.)

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

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

=Corspresant=, Med. A mortuary.

=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 called _cortina_, 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 called _cortinæ_ Delphicæ. (See Fig. 199.)

=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 of _corundum_.

=Corven.= O. E. for carven, cut.

“_Corvene_ wyndows of glase,
With joly bandis of brase.”
(_Lincoln MS._)

=Corvus=, R. (lit. crow). A crane or _grappling-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 of _corvus_ was 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 of _Corybantic dances_.

=Corycæum=, Gr. and R. A large apartment in a gymnasium or a large bathing establishment, for the _Corycobolia_ or sack-throwing, a game which consisted in suspending from the ceiling of the _corycæum_, 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 called _Corycomachia_.

=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 of _corymbi_, 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 of APLUSTRE (q.v.).

=Corynalle=, Arch. (See CORNAL.)

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

=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 called _pharetra_.

=Cos=, R. A hone, whetstone, or grindstone. Fig. 200 is 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 motto _Tantum volvitur umbra_ (the shadow only revolves).

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

=Cote Armour.= (See COAT 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).

=Couchant= or =Dormant=, Her. In repose. The illustration gives the device of King Richard II., a white hart _couchant_ on a mount, &c. (Fig. 201.)

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

=Coudières=. (See COUTERE.)

=Coufic=. (See CUFIC.)

=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 Counterpoint_ is “a kind of artificial composition, where the parts are inverted in such a manner that the uppermost becomes the lowermost, and _vice versâ_.” (See _Stainer and Barrett_, _Dic. of Musical Terms_.)

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

=Counter-seal= or =Secretum=. 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 of _erased_.

=Coupled= (columns), Gen. Two columns are said to be _coupled_ when they are placed quite close to each other without touching. _Coupled heads_ is the term applied to two heads placed back to back upon the same pedestal or the same trunk. Many pedestals ornamented with HERMÆ (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 originally _named_ in France; e. g. the four _kings_ were Charlemagne, Cæsar, Alexander, and David; the four _queens_, Judith, Rachel, Argine, and Pallas; and the _valets_, Lahire, Hector, Lancelot, and Hogier. Of these the _kings_ were said to represent the four ancient monarchies of the Jews, Greeks, Romans, and Franks; and the _queens_, wisdom, birth, beauty, and fortitude. (_Taylor._) (See CHATRANG.)

=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.

=Coutere= or =Coutes=. The elbow-piece in armour.

=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.] (Compare CURRUS, CARPENTUM.)

=Coward= or =Cowed=, Her. An animal with its tail between its legs.

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

“A paire of buskins they did bring
Of the _cow-ladye’s_ corall wyng.”
(_Musarum Deliciæ._)

=Cowl=, Mod. (from _cuculla_, CUCULLUS, q.v.). A priest’s hood.

=Cox= or =Cokes=, O. E. A fool; hence _Coxcomb_, for the top of a fool’s cap.

=Crackle Porcelain= or =Cracklin=. 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.= (See GLASS.)

=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. (See COLLET.)

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

=Crancelin=, Her. (from the German _Kranzlein_, 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 called _centre-pin_ hinges.

=Crash.= The grey linen used for the kind of embroidery called _crewelwork_.

=Crater=, Gr. and R. (κρατὴρ, from κεράννυμι, 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 silver _crater_ shown 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. of _crates_). A small hurdle, and by analogy, a gridiron, which looks like a small hurdle.

=Creag=, O. E. The game of ninepins.

=Creagra.= Gr. (κράγρα, from κρέας and ἀγρέω, i. e. a flesh-hook). A synonym of the Latin term HARPAGO (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. (See BATTLEMENT.)

=Crenelle=, Fr. A cutting or indentation of the walls of a fortress or tower, &c. The spaces between the solid masonry are called _embrasures_, and the solid portions themselves _merlons_; usually the tops of the merlons are coped to throw off rain. (See COPING.) Fig. 204 shows 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 carbatina_ was the name given to a shoe of the simplest and plainest description. (See CARBATINA.) [This shoe is only found represented on figures clothed with the _pallium_, not the _toga_.]