D.
Dabber. A tool used in etching to distribute the etching-ground over a plate of metal in the first process of engraving, and, in printing from copper-plate engraving and woodcuts, to spread the ink.
Dactyliography or Dactyliology, Gen. (δακτύλιος, a ring). The study of rings.
Dactyliotheca, Gr. (δακτυλιο-θήκη, a ringbox). (1) A glass case or casket containing rings. (2) A collection of rings, engraved stones, or precious stones. (See Glyptotheca.)
Dactylus, Gr. (δάκτυλος, a finger). The Roman digitus; a finger-breadth, the 16th part of a foot.
Dado, Arch. (1) The part of a pedestal between the base and the cornice. (2) In apartments, an arrangement of moulding, &c., round the lower part of the wall.
Dædal. A fanciful word coined by the poet Spenser, for “variegated in design.”
Dædala, Gr. Ancient images preserved in sanctuaries in memory of Dædalus, to whom were attributed the greater number of those works of art the origin of which was unknown. Hence the name was especially attributed to certain wooden statues, ornamented with gilding, bright colours, and real drapery, which were the earliest known form of images of the gods.
Dædala, Gr. (δαίδαλα). Festivals in honour of Hera, celebrated in Bœotia.
Dæmon, Daimon, Gr. (δαίμων). The good genius who watched over an individual during his whole life, like the Latin Lar and Genius. It was the belief of Socrates that he was guided by his Daimon in every important act and thought of his life. The word has a general meaning of “Divinity.”
Dag or Dagge. Old English name of a pistol.
Dagges, O. E. Ornamental cutting of the edges of garments, introduced into England about 1346. (See the illustration to Cointise, Fig. [177]).
Dagob, Hindoo. A conical tumulus or shrine in which relics and images of Buddha were worshipped.
Dag-swain, O. E. A sort of rough material of which coverlets for beds, tables, or floors were made.
Daguerreotype. A kind of photography on plates of silver, named after M. Daguerre, the inventor.
Daidies, Gr. (from δαίω, to kindle). A festival held at Athens, during which torches were lit; it lasted three days.
Fig. 235. Dais.
Dais, Chr. An architectural structure, decorated with sculptures and ornaments, which serves as a canopy for an altar, throne, pulpit, chair (cathedra), statue, or group. Fig. [235] represents a stone dais of the St. Anne door in the cathedral of Paris.
Dais. In Anglo-Saxon houses, and generally; a covered seat of honour, at the upper end of the hall, on a raised floor. (“In all the houses of the wealthy in China there are two raised seats at the end of the reception-room, with a table between them.” Fortune.) (See Deas.)
Dalmahoy, O. E. A kind of bushy bob-wig, worn especially by chemists; 18th century.
Fig. 236. Ecclesiastical Dalmatic.
Dalmatic. A long robe or upper tunic partly opening at the sides, so named from its being of Dalmatian origin; an ecclesiastical vestment; also a portion of the coronation robes of sovereign princes. It was usually made of white silk with purple stripes, occasionally of other colours, the left sleeve only being ornamented; the right was plain for convenience. As early as the reign of Richard I., the dalmatic is mentioned amongst the coronation robes. (Fig. [236].) (See Colobium, Deacon.)
Damara or Dammar. A resin used for varnishes. It is a valuable substitute for mastic.
Damaretion. A Sicilian coin, supposed to have been of gold, equal in value to a half-stater.
Damas (or Damascus) Pottery Ware. The commercial name in the 16th century for a large class of wares, now generally known as Persian.
Fig. 237. Specimen of Arabic Damascening (full size).
Damascening, or Damaskeening, is the art of incrusting one metal on another, not in crusta, but in the form of wire, which by undercutting and hammering is thoroughly incorporated with the metal it is intended to ornament. (See Damask, Damascus Blades.) The process of etching slight ornaments on polished steel wares is also called Damascening. (Fig. [237].)
Damascus Blades are prepared of a cast steel highly charged with carbon, which, being tempered by a peculiar process, assumes the manycoloured watered appearance by which they are known. The process is called Damascening (q.v.).
Damask. A rich fabric, woven with large patterns, in silk, linen, wool, or even cotton, originally made at Damascus. (See Fig. [88].)
Dames, O. E. The old name for the game of draughts, represented early in the 14th century. The pieces were originally square.
Danace (δανάκη). The obolus which was placed in the mouth of the dead to pay the passage of the Styx.
Dance of the Corybantes. (See Corybantica.)
Dance of Death, Danse Macabre, Chr. Paintings, illuminations, or sculptures in bas-relief, representing men dancing under the eye of Death, who presides at this dance. In some instances the performers are skeletons and corpses. The most celebrated Dance of Death was that painted in fresco by Holbein in the cloister of the Dominicans at Basle. It has been destroyed by fire, but the etching-needle has preserved it for us. Other examples that may be named are, that in the new church at Strasburg, that of Lucerne, that in the palace at Dresden, and—most ancient of all—that at Minden, in Westphalia, which dates from 1380.
Dancette, Arch. The chevron or zigzag moulding peculiar to Norman architecture. (See Chevron.)
Dangu Faience. Pottery from a manufactory near Gisors in France, established in 1753.
Daphnephoria (δάφνη, a laurel). A festival held in honour of Apollo every ninth year at Thebes, in which the assistants carried laurel branches.
Dara, Ind. A kind of tambourine.
Darabukkeh. An Egyptian drum, unaltered from ancient times.
Daric Money. A Persian gold coin, stamped on one side with the figure of an archer kneeling, and on the other with a deep cleft, and to which the name of Daric money has been given by numismatists. Its proper name is the Stater of Dareius I., king of Persia. Its value is about 1l. 1s. 10d.
Darned Netting (needlework). (See Lacis.)
Datatim ludere, R. To play with a ball (“catch-ball”).
Davenport Pottery is the produce of a manufactory of fine faience established at Longport in England by John Davenport in 1793.
Day, Arch. Part of a window: the same as Bay.
Deacon, Chr. A dalmatic, or an alb; i. e. a deacon’s vestment.
Dead-boot, O. E., Chr. Prayers for the dead.
Dealbatus, R. (dealbo, to whiten over). Covered with a coating of stucco (albarium opus). The builders of antiquity made great use of stucco, both in the interior and exterior of buildings. All the buildings of Pompeii are stuccoed.
Deambulatory, Arch. (deambulo, to walk about). The lateral nave which surrounds the choir of a church; it is usually separated from the aisles by a grating (cancelli).
Deas, Dais, Dees, Scotch, (1) A table, especially the great hall table. (2) A pew in a church. (3) A turf seat erected at the door of a cottage. (See Dais.)
Death’s-man, O. E. The executioner.
Debased, Her. Reversed.
Decadence. The term in ancient art is applied to the period after the fall of Rome, and before the Renaissance in the 14th century; in modern art to the period of the rococo style of Louis XV.
Decaduchi (δεκα-δοῦχοι), Gr. A council of ten, who ruled Athens from B.C. 403 until the restoration of democracy.
Decan, Egyp. A period of ten days, which was ruled by a star called its Decan. The month was divided into three decans, and the year into thirty-six, each being presided over by its own inferior divinity. On zodiacs they are arranged in groups of three above the twelve superior gods. The decans were the tutelary genii of the horoscope.
Decarchia (δεκ-αρχία). A council of the Lacedæmonians.
Decastellare, Med. Lat. To dismantle.
Decastylos, Arch. A building of which the portico has ten columns; a decastylic pediment is a pediment supported by ten columns.
Decemjugus (sc. currus), R. A chariot drawn by ten horses abreast; represented on the medals of the later emperors.
Decempeda, R. A ten-foot measuring-rod used by architects and surveyors.
Decemremis, R. (remus, an oar). A vessel with ten banks of oars. It is certain that the different ranks of rowers, who had each his own seat, sat one above the other; the lowest row was called thalamos, the middle zuga, and the uppermost thranos; but it is very difficult to understand in what manner so many ranks could have been arranged, and the question has been the subject of infinite discussion.
Decennalia or Decennia. A festival at Rome in commemoration of the refusal of Augustus to become emperor for a longer period than ten years at a time.
Decollation (= beheading). An ecclesiastical expression applied to St. John the Baptist and other martyrs.
Fig. 238. Decorated window.
Decorated Style of Architecture. The second of the Pointed or Gothic styles of architecture used in England. It was developed from the Early English at the end of the 13th century, and gradually merged into the Perpendicular during the latter part of the 14th. Its most characteristic feature is the geometrical traceries of the windows.
Fig. 239. Decrescent.
Decrescent, In Detriment, Her. A half-moon having its horns to the sinister.
Decursio, R. (decurro, to run or march). Military manœuvres; a review, sham fight, or any exercise for training soldiers; the term decursus was also used.
Decussis, R. (decem, ten, and as). A piece of money marked with the numeral X (10), and which was worth ten asses (post-Augustan; see Denarius).
De Fundato or Netted. A name given to certain silks, which were dyed of the richest purple, and figured with gold in the pattern of netting.
De-gamboys, O. E. A musical instrument. (See Viol de Gambo.)
Degradation, Gen. The diminishing of the tones of colour, light, and shade, according to the different degrees of distance. (A term used especially in reference to glass painting.)
Degreed, Degraded, Her. Placed on steps.
Deice, Deas, or Deis, O. E. (See Dais.)
Deinos, Gr. A vessel with a wide mouth and semi-spherical body, something like the cacabus.
Delf. Common pottery from Delft in Holland.
Fig. 240. Oil cruet, Delft ware.
Delft Faiences are remarkable for the beauty of their paste and of their enamel, but spurious imitations are said to be abundant. Fig. [240] is a representative specimen of the real Delft ware. The date of the establishment of this manufacture is uncertain, but earlier than 1614; the ornamentation is inspired by Japanese art. (Consult Jacquemart’s History of the Ceramic Art.)
Delia, Gr. Festivals and games at Delos.
Delphica (sc. cortina), R. A table of a very costly description, made of white marble or bronze. It was used as a drinking-table, and had only three feet richly ornamented. [Explained under the heading Cortina.]
Delphinia. A Greek festival in honour of Apollo.
Delphinorum Columnæ, R. The two columns at one end of the spina of a circus, on which marble figures of dolphins were placed. The seven ova (eggs) on similar columns at the end of the spina opposite to these dolphins, served to indicate the number of turns made by the chariots round the goal. (See Ovum.) [The figure of the dolphin was selected in honour of Neptune.] (Cf. Circus.)
Fig. 241. Dolphin. Used as an ornament.
Fig. 242. Dolphin. Medal of Syracuse.
Delphinus, Dolphin, Gen. (δελφίν). The dolphin was often used as an ornament, and especially as a hand-rest or banister to the vomitoria or entrances of the theatres and amphitheatres. Fig. [241] represents a dolphin utilized in this manner at the theatre of Puzzoli. Many medals, as for instance those of Syracuse (Fig. [242]), are stamped with a dolphin. (See also Dolphin.)
Delphis, R. A heavy mass of iron or lead used in naval warfare, to drop on board of a hostile ship and sink it. (Compare Corvus.)
Delubrum, R. (deluo, to cleanse). A shrine; the part of a temple which contains the altar or statue of the deity, and thence a temple containing an altar.
Demembered, Dismembered, Her. Cut into pieces, but without any alteration in the form of the original figure.
Fig. 243. Demi-lion, rampant.
Demi, Her. The half; the upper, front, or dexter half, unless the contrary is specified.
Demi-brassarts, Vambraces, or Avant-braces. Half-armour for the arm.
Demi-culverin. A cannon of four inches’ bore. (Meyrick.)
Demi-hag. A smaller kind of hackbut (arquebus).
Demi-haque, O. E. A fire-arm, smaller than the arquebus; 16th century.
Demi-jambes. Armour for the shins.
Demi-placcate. The lower part of a breastplate.
Demi-relievo. Sculpture in relief, in which one half of the figure projects; generally called Mezzo-relievo. (See Basso-relievo.)
Demiurgi (δημι-ουργοί). Popular magistrates.
Demosii. Slaves belonging to the state, at Athens.
Demotic (writing), Egyp. (δημοτικὰ, sc. γράμματα, i. e. popular writing). A mode of writing among the ancient Egyptians, differing from the hieroglyphic or sacred writing. This writing, which was employed for civil records, was introduced under the twenty-fifth dynasty, being derived from the hieratic writing, the first abbreviation of the hieroglyphics.
Demster, O. E. A judge.
Demyt, O. E. An old word for dimity; a kind of fustian. Perhaps so called because first manufactured at Damietta.
Denarius, R. (deni, by tens). The silver coin principally in use among the Romans. Until the reign of Augustus the denarius was worth ten asses, and afterwards sixteen. Denarius aureus was a gold denarius, equal in value to twenty-five silver denarii.
Denia. A city of Valencia in Spain, which disputes with Alcora the production of a remarkable kind of pottery, of which Jacquemart mentions a vase with two handles of Arab form, resembling the alcarazas, upon a smooth white enamel decorated with birds and flowers coarsely painted.
Dens, R. Literally, a tooth; hence the prongs of a fork, the flukes of an anchor, the barbs of a lance, the teeth of a saw or rake.
Dentale, R. (dens, a tooth). The piece of wood in a plough on which the plough-share (vomer) is fastened.
Dentatus, R. Armed with teeth.
Dentelle Decoration. Of French pottery, a light lace pattern, more delicate than the “lambrequin.”
Dentels, Fr. (See Dentile.)
Dentile, Dentils (Latin, denticuli), Arch. Ornaments in the form of small cubes or teeth, used in the moulding of cornices, in the Ionic, Corinthian, and Composite orders. (See Tooth-ornament, Dog’s-tooth.)
Depas, R. A bowl with two handles, the foot of which is made of a low flat moulding like the Doric fillet.
Depressed, Her. Surmounted, placed over another.
Derby Porcelain. Manufactory established in 1750. Jacquemart says, “Derby has made fine porcelains and statuettes which have nothing to fear by comparison with the groups of Saxony or Sèvres.”
Dere, O. E. Noble, honourable.
“Syr Cadore with his dere knyghttes.”
Derring do, O. E. Deeds of arms.
Deruncinatus, R. Smoothed and polished with the runcina or carpenter’s plane.
Desca, Lat. A stall or desk in a church.
Descobinatus, R. Rasped with the Scobina or carpenter’s rasp.
Destrere, Anglo-Norman. A war-horse.
Desultorius (sc. equus), R. (desilio, to leap off). A horse trained for equestrian performances in a circus by the desultor. Desultorius is itself sometimes used as a synonym for desultor. The desultor rode two horses at once, and got his name from his leaping or vaulting from one to the other.
Desvres, Pas de Calais, France. An interesting manufactory of faience established in the 17th century, of a style originating in Flanders. (Jacquemart.)
Detached. A term in painting applied to figures which stand out well.
Detriment, Her. (See Decrescent.)
Deunx, R. (de and uncia, a twelfth part off). A nominal value not represented by any coin. The term means literally eleven unciæ, or eleven-twelfths of anything [i. e. ounces or twelfths of a pound].
Developed, Her. Displayed, unfurled.
Devil, Chr. Mediæval representations of the devil (especially in painting) were taken from those of the satyrs of the ancients. They were, however, subject to no canon of symbolism at all, and varied from the likeness of a beautiful woman to every imaginable variety of the grotesque and repulsive.
Fig. 244. Old Devonshire Lace.
Devonshire Lace (Old). This lace is said to have been first introduced into England by the Flemings in 1567–73, and it long preserved its Flemish character. The engraving shows a specimen of old Devonshire lace, made at the beginning of the last century.
Devs, Pers. Evil genii, servants of Ahriman, in the religion of Zoroaster; they were twenty-eight in number, and were opposed to the ministers of the amchaspands or Izeds (q.v.).
Dextans, R. (de and sextans, i. e. a sixth part off). A nominal value not represented by any coin. The literal meaning of the term is ten unciæ, or ten-twelfths of anything [ounces].
Dexter, Her. The right side, i. e. to the spectator’s or reader’s left.
Fig. 245. Dextrochere or bracelet.
Dextrale, R. (dexter, right). A bracelet worn by Greek and Roman women on the right arm, and differing from the dextrocherium (Fig. [245]), which was worn on the wrist. The latter ornament was often of gold. (See Armilla.)
Dholkee, Hindoo. A kind of tom-tom, or small drum. (See Tom-tom.)
Diabathrum, Gr. and R. (βάθρον, that on which one stands). A sandal or light shoe worn by women, especially such as were tall. The comic poet Alexis, talking of courtesans, says, “One is too short, and so she puts cork in her baukides; another is too tall, and she puts on a light diabathrum.”
Diaconicum, Scevophylacium, and Bematis Diaconicon, Chr. A room in an ancient basilica near the altar, where the priests put on and took off their vestments, and the deacons (διάκονοι) prepared the vessels and sacred ornaments to be used in the service. Diaconicum majus was the sacristy.
Diadema, R. (diadeô, to bind round). Originally the white fillet worn by Eastern monarchs round the head. It was made of silk, wool, or yarn, narrow, but wider in the centre of the forehead. The Greeks presented a diadem to every victor in the public games, and it was worn by priests and priestesses. As the emblem of sovereignty it is an attribute of Juno. Afterwards the term came to mean a diadem.
Diæta, Gr. and R. (i. e. a living-place). That part of a house in which a Roman received his guests. The same term was applied to a captain’s cabin in the after-part of a ship.
Diætæ, R. Summer-houses. (See Hortus.)
Diaglyph, Gr. and R. (διαγλύφω, to carve through). An intaglio, or design cut into the material on which it is executed. (See Intaglio.)
Diaglyphic. (Sculpture, engraving, &c.) in which the objects are sunk below the general surface.
Diagonal Rib, Arch. A cross formed by the intersection of the ribs which cut one another according to the groins of a groined roof.
Dialia, Gr. and R. (διάλια, from Δὶς, old form for Ζεύς). Festivals held in honour of Jupiter by the Flamen Dialis (the priest of Jupiter).
Diamastigosis, Gr. (διαμαστίγωσις, i. e. a severe scourging). A festival held at Sparta in honour of Artemis Orthia, during which boys were flogged at an altar in order to harden them to the endurance of pain.
Fig. 246. Diamicton.
Diamicton, Gr. and R. (διαμίγνυμι, to mix up). A wall, of which the outside surface was made of brickwork or regular layers of masonry, and the centre was filled up with rubble. Fig. [246].
Diamond, for glass-cutting, was not used till the 16th century, although suggested in a Bolognese MS. of a century earlier. Its discovery is attributed to Francis I., who, to let the Duchesse d’Estampes know of his jealousy, wrote on the palace windows with his ring,—
“Souvent femme varie;
Mal habil qui s’y fie.”
The art of cutting and polishing diamonds with diamond powder was discovered by Louis de Berquem in 1476.
Diamond, in Christian art. (See White.)
Diamond Fret, Arch. The descriptive name for a decorated moulding in Norman architecture.
Fig. 247. Di-amante, Punning device of Pietro de’ Medici.
Diamond Rings were used as seal and bearings on his escutcheon (represented in Fig. [100]) by Cosmo de’ Medici, the founder of the famous Florentine family. The device in various forms was invariably adopted by his descendants. Fig. [247] is the device of Pietro de’ Medici († 1470), the son of Cosmo: a falcon with a ring, and the punning motto, “Semper,” forming with the device the words “Semper fa-’l-con di (Dio) amante.”
Diapasma, Gr. and R. (διαπάσσω, to sprinkle). A powder made of dried flowers and odoriferous herbs, which was put in a sachet for use as a perfume, or rubbed over the body.
Diaper, Arch. Ornament of sculpture in low relief, sunk below the general surface.
Diaper, O. E. A mode of decoration by a repeated pattern, carved or painted, generally in squares, representing flowers and arabesques.
Fig. 248. Diapered surcoat of a Herald, with the clarion.
Diaper or Damask, a name given to a fine linen cloth made at Ypres, is spoken of as early as the 13th century.
“Of cloth making she had such a haunt,
She passed hem of Ypres and of Gaunte.”
(Prologue of Canterbury Tales.)
The peculiarity of this cloth, as of that of Damascus, was in the pattern. “To diaper” is, in heraldry, to cover the field of an escutcheon with devices independent of the armorial bearings. The engraving shows a surcoat diapered, on which are embroidered armorial bearings. (Fig. [248].)
Diasia, Gr. Festivals in honour of Zeus, held at Athens, outside of the walls of the city, for the purpose of averting epidemics and other ills (ἄση).
Diastyle, Arch. An intercolumniation, in which the columns are separated from each other by a space of three diameters.
Diathyrum, Gr. A passage leading at one end to the street door of a house, and at the other to the door of the courtyard. The Romans called this space Prothyrum (q.v.).
Fig. 249. Diatonoi.
Diatoni, Diatonoi, Gr. and R. (διατείνω, to extend through). Long stones extending from one face of a wall to the other (to which modern architects give the name of perpenders or perpend-stones), and which were employed in the method of construction called Emplecton (q.v.). In Fig. [249] one is represented by the stone placed between b and c.
Diatreta, Gr. (διάτρητα, i. e. bored through). A drinking-cup made of glass, cut in such a way that the designs or ornaments upon it stand out completely from the body of the vase, and form a tracery, which is only united to the vase itself by small ties or pins left for the purpose.
Diatriba, Gr. and R. (διατρίβω, to spend time). Places in which learned discussions were held, such as lecture or assembly rooms.
Diaulos, Gr. The double flute. (See Aulos, Flute.) One in the British Museum, found in a tomb at Athens, is of cedar-wood, with tubes fifteen inches in length.
Diazoma, Gr. (διάζωμα, that which girdles). A Greek synonym of the Latin term Præcinctio (q.v.).
Dicasterion, Dicastery, Gr. (δικαστήριον; δίκη, justice). A tribunal at Athens in which the people themselves administered justice without the intervention of the magistrates.
Dicastes. A judge, or rather juryman, chosen annually from the citizens at Athens.
Dicerion, Chr. (δι-κέραιον, with two horns). A candlestick with two branches, holding which in their hands the Greek priests bless the people. The dicerion is symbolical of the two-fold nature of Christ. (See Tricerion.)
Dichalcon, Gr. (δίχαλκος, i. e. double-chalcos). A small Greek copper coin worth only one-fourth or one-fifth of an obolus.
Dichoria, Gr. (δι-χορία, i. e. division of chorus). When the ancient choruses divided into two, to recite in turn a part of the action of a play, or mutually to interchange sentiments, this action was called dichoria; each half of the chorus was called hemichoria (ἡμιχορία), and each stanza antichoria (ἀντιχορία).
Dicken, O. E. The devil. “Odds dickens!”
Dicker, O. E. Half a score.
Dicomos, Gr. (κῶμος, a feast). A banqueting-song, which was sung at the second course of the feast at the festivals of Bacchus.
Dicrotos, Dicrotus, Gr. (δί-κροτος, lit. double-beating). The Greek name for a vessel with two banks of oars, the Roman biremis.
Dictynnia (δίκτυον, a hunter’s net). A Cretan festival in honour of Artemis.
Fig. 250. Dictyotheton.
Dictyotheton, Gr. (from δίκτυον, a net). A kind of masonry composed of regularly-cut square stones, forming, in a wall so constructed, a network or chess-board pattern. It answered to the opus reticulatum of the Romans.
Didrachma, Didrachmum, Gr. (δί-δραχμον). A double silver drachma of the Greek coinage, which was worth about two shillings.
Die. In Architecture, for dado, or the part of a pedestal that would correspond to the dado (q.v.).
Die-sinking. The art of engraving on steel moulds, medals, coins, and inscriptions.
Difference, Differencing, Her. An addition to, or some change in, a coat of arms, introduced for the purpose of distinguishing coats which in their primary qualities are the same. Differencing is sometimes used in the same sense as Cadency; but, strictly, it is distinct, having reference to alliance and dependency, without blood-relationship, or to the system adopted for distinguishing similar coats of arms. (Bouteil.)
Digitale, R. (digitus, a finger). A kind of glove worn by the Sarmatians, an example of which may be seen on Trajan’s Column.
Diglyph, Gr. and R. (δί-γλυφος, doubly indented). An ornament consisting of two glyphæ (γλυφαὶ) or grooves channelled out on consoles. (See Triglyph.)
Diipoleia (πολιεὺς, of the city). A very ancient Athenian festival, celebrated annually on the Acropolis, in honour of Zeus Polieus.
Fig. 251. Rose dimidiated. Device of James I.
Dimidiated, Her. Cut in half per pale, and one half removed. Fig. [251] is a device placed by James I. on some of his coins, in which the thistle and rose are respectively dimidiated. The legend was, “Fecit eos in gentem unam.”
Diocleia. A festival of the Megarians, held about the grave of an ancient Athenian hero, Diocles. There was a prize for kissing.
Dionysia. The celebrated orgies of Dionysus or Bacchus, suppressed B.C. 186, and substituted by the Liberalia. (See Bacchanalia.)
Dioptra, Gr. and R. (δίοπτρα; διοράω, to see through). An instrument used in surveying to measure distances and to take levels.
Dioscuria, Gr. and R. (Διοσκούρια). Games instituted at Rome in honour of the Dioscuri (Castor and Pollux), who, at the battle of Lake Regillus against the Latins (496 B.C.), were supposed to have fought on the side of the Romans.
Diospolites, Egyp. One of the nomes or divisions of Lower Egypt.
Diota, Gr. (δί-ωτα, with two ears). A name applied indifferently to any kind of vase furnished with two handles, such as lagenæ, amphoræ, canthari, &c.
Diplinthus, R. (πλίνθος, a brick). Masonry two bricks thick.
Diploïs, Gr. and R. Folded in two; an upper garment which was doubled in the same manner as a woman’s shawl at the present day; it was much worn among the Greeks.
Diploma, Gr. and R. (δίπλωμα, i. e. double-folded). A passport consisting of two leaves (whence its name). The term is also used to denote a diploma by which any right or privilege is conferred.
Dipteral, Arch. A building having double wings. The term is applied to any building having a double intercolumniation all round it.
Diptheræ, Gr. and R. (διφθέραι; δέφω, to make supple). (1) Prepared skins for writing on. (2) A kind of garment; an overcoat of skin or leather which Greek slaves put on over their tunic.
Diptych, Gr. (δί-πτυχα, i. e. double-folded). Double tablets united by means of strings or hinges. Diptycha consularia, ædilitia, prætoria had engraved on them portraits of consuls, ædiles, prætors, and other magistrates. These consular diptychs were a part of the presents sent by new consuls on their appointment to very eminent persons. The series of them is a very valuable record of the progress of the art of ivory carving. In Christian archæology diptychs were decorated with scenes from biblical history. There were also diptychs of the baptized; of the bishops and benefactors of a church, living or dead; of saints and martyrs; and, lastly, of deceased members of the congregation, whose souls were to be remembered at mass. (See Triptych.)
Directors, or Triangular Compasses. A mathematical instrument adapted for taking three angular points at once.
Diribitorium, R. (diribeo, to sort or separate). A place or building in which a public officer inspected the troops, distributed the pay, and enrolled the conscripts in their respective regiments.
Dirige, Chr. A psalm forming part of the burial service, “Dirige gressus meos,” &c.; hence Dirge, for funereal music or hymns in general.
Dirk. A Scotch dagger.
Fig. 252. Tazza of Diruta, with head of “Rome.”
Diruta. An important porcelain manufactory in the Papal States, established by a pupil of Luca della Robbia in 1461.
Discerniculum, R. (discerno, to divide). A bodkin used by Roman women in the toilet to part their hair. (See Combs.)
Discharging Arch. An arch built into the structure of a wall, to relieve the parts below it of the pressure of those above it; such arches are common over flat-headed doors or other openings.
Discinctus, Gr. and R. (discingo, to ungird). A man who is ungirt, that is, who does not wear a girdle round the waist of his tunic; for a man, this was a mark of effeminate manners. Discinctus miles denoted a soldier who had been stripped by his commander of his sword-belt, as a mark of disgrace. (Compare Cingulum.)
Disclosed, Her. With expanded wings, in the case of birds that are not birds of prey. The contrary to Close.
Fig. 253. Discobolus of Myron copied on a gem.
Discobolus, Gr. and R. (δισκο-βόλος, i. e. discus-throwing). A man throwing the Discus (q.v.). [A celebrated statue of the sculptor Myron so called.]
Discus, R. (δίσκος; δικεῖν, to throw). This term denoted (1) the discus hurled by the Discobolus (q.v.); that is, a circular plate of metal or stone, about ten or twelve inches in diameter. (2) A sun-dial. (3) A shallow circular vessel for holding eatables.
Disk. (See Winged Disk.)
Disomum, Chr. (δί-σωμον, double-bodied). An urn or tomb which held the ashes or bodies of two persons; bisomum was also used. Both terms are met with in Christian inscriptions.
Fig. 254. Falcon Displayed.
Displayed, Her. Birds of prey with expanded wings. Fig. [254] represents the crest of Edward IV., the falcon and fetterlock.
Displuviatus, Displuviatum, R. An atrium, the roof of which was sloped outwards from the Compluvium (q.v.), instead of being sloped towards it. (See Impluvium and Atrium.)
Disposed, Disposition, Her. Arranged, arrangement.
Distaff. A common object in ancient art. It is an attribute of the Fates, and generally distaffs of gold were given to the goddesses. It was dedicated to Minerva. (See Colus.) The name of St. Distaff’s Day was given to the day after Twelfth Day in England.
Distance. In a picture, the point of distance is that where the visual rays meet; middle distance is the central portion of a picture, between the foreground and the extreme distance.
Distemper. A kind of painting in which the pigments are mixed with an aqueous vehicle, such as size. Distemper is painted on a dry surface. (See Fresco-painting.)
Ditriglyph, R. (δὶς, twice, and τρίγλυφος). The space between two triglyphs in the Doric order. The term is therefore a synonym of Metope (q.v.).
Dividers. Ordinary compasses for taking off and transferring measurements.
Dividiculum, R. A reservoir in the form of a tower, in which the water of an aqueduct was collected, and whence it was afterwards distributed. (See Castellum.)
Docana (δοκὸς, a beam). An ancient Spartan symbol of Castor and Pollux. It consisted of two upright beams, with cross pieces.
Doccia. An important Italian manufactory of soft porcelain founded in 1735. Jacquemart says, “Doccia now inundates Europe with spurious majolica of the 16th century, and with false porcelain of Capo di Monte, of which she possesses the moulds.”
Dodecahedron, Gr. A solid figure of twelve equal sides.
Dodecastyle, Gr. and R. (δώδεκα, twelve, and στῦλος, pillar). A building, the arrangement of which admits of twelve columns in front. A dodecastyle pediment is a pediment supported by twelve columns.
Dodra, R. (dodrans, nine parts). A kind of beverage, or rather soup, composed of nine ingredients. We learn from Ausonius that it was made of bread, water, wine, oil, broth, salt, sweet herbs, honey, and pepper.
Dodrans, R. (i. e. three-fourths). Nine unciæ, or three-quarters of an as. There was no coin of this value. As a measure of length, nine inches. (See As.)
Doff or Deff, Egyp. The square tambourine of the ancient Egyptians; the toph of the Hebrews, still in use among the Arabs, especially in the Barbary States.
Dog. An emblem of fidelity and loyalty. In mediæval art, the attribute of St. Roch; also of St. Dominic, the founder of the Dominican order; of St. Bernard, St. Wendelin, and St. Benignus. As an emblem of fidelity, it is placed at the feet of the effigies of married women upon sepulchres. It was common to represent, in painting or mosaic, a chained watch-dog at the doors of Roman houses. The Dog of Fo is a sacred emblem in China, sometimes called a Chimera; it is placed as the guardian of the thresholds of temples, and of the Buddhist altars. In the Chinese zodiacal system the dog is the sign for the month of September.
Dog Latin. Barbarous Latin; e. g. “Verte canem ex” (turn the dog out).
Dog’s-nose, O. E. A cordial used in low life, composed of warm porter, moist sugar, gin, and nutmeg. (Halliwell.)
Dog’s-tooth Moulding, Arch. A characteristic ornament of Early English architecture, formed of four leaves with small spiral fillets, which bear some resemblance to teeth. (See Tooth-ornament.)
Fig. 255. Bronze Dolabra or hatchet (Celtic).
Fig. 256. Hatchet, flint-stone.
Fig. 257. Gallic hatchet.
Dolabra, R. (dolo, to hew). An instrument like a pick or hatchet, which varied in form according to the different purposes for which it was employed. The dolabra was used for digging, cutting, breaking, and chopping, and was thus a pick, a hatchet, an adze or ascia, &c. Dolabra of flint or other hard stone, called Celts, are of remote antiquity. (See Celt.) (Figs. 255 to 257.)
Doliolum. Dimin. of Dolium (q.v.).
Dolium or Culeus, Gr. and R. A large earthenware vessel with a wide mouth, and of rounded, spherical form. It was used to contain wine and oil when first made, before they were transferred into smaller vessels for keeping.
Fig. 258. Dolmen.
Dolmen, Celt. A term which, in the Celtic language, means literally a stone table. It consists of a number of stones, of which some are fixed in the ground, and the others laid transversely over them. These structures were used as sepulchres. Figs. 258 and 259 represent two different types of dolmens. (See Cromlech.)
Fig. 259. Dolmen, in the forest of Rennes.
Dolon or Dolo, R. (δόλων). (1) A long stick armed with an iron point. (2) A cane, in the hollow of which a poniard was concealed. (3) The fore-topsail of a vessel.
Fig. 260. Heraldic Dolphin.
Dolphin, Her. A favourite fish with heralds. It is best known as the armorial ensign of the Dauphin, the eldest son and heir apparent of the kings of France—Or, a Dolphin az. In Christian archæology the dolphin is the symbol of swiftness, diligence, and love; it is often met with entwined with an anchor. The first Christians often wore these two symbols united in a ring, which was known as a nautical anchor. (See also Delphin.)
Dome, It. (1) Literally, the house of God. When a city possesses several churches, the name is applied to the cathedral only. (2) The interior of a cupola.
Dominions, in Christian art. (See Angels.)
Fig. 261. Plan of a Greek house.
Domus, Gr. and R. (Gr. δόμος, οἶκος). A house, in contradistinction to insula, a group of houses. The Greek house is divided into two parts by the central chambers. The external, the Andronitis, contains the men’s, and the inner, or Gynæconitis, the women’s apartments. The whole building was generally long and narrow, occupying a comparatively small frontage to the street, and the outside wall was plain without windows. Outside the door was often an altar of Apollo Agyieus, or an obelisk, or sometimes a laurel-tree, or a bust of the god Hermes. A few steps, called Anabathmoi, led up to the house door (αὐλεία θύρα), over which there was generally a motto inscribed: the passage (θυρωρεῖον, πυλὼν, θυρὼν) (A B in the plan) had the stables on one side, and the porter’s lodge opposite, and led to C, the Peristyle or Aula of the men’s quarters, a Hypæthral, or open air court, surrounded by porticoes called Stoai, and by the men’s apartments, which were large banqueting-rooms (οἶκοι, ἀνδρῶνες), smaller sitting-rooms (ἐξέδραι), and sleeping-chambers (δωμάτια, κοιτῶνες, οἰκήματα). The door to the passage D was called μέταυλος or μέσαυλος (i. e. the middle of the aulæ), and gave admission to E, the peristyle or aula of the Gynæconitis. The rooms numbered 10 to 17 were the chambers of the women; P P were called the Thalamos and Amphithalamos; H H and G were the ἱστῶνες, or rooms for working in wool; and at I was the garden door (κηπαία θύρα). There was usually an upper story where guests and slaves were lodged (ὑπερῷον, διῆρες), the stairs leading to which were outside the house. The roofs were flat, and it was customary to walk upon them. The floors were of stone, in later times ornamental or coloured. The construction and decoration varied with the ages; painted ceilings were a late introduction.
Fig. 262. Plan of a Roman house.
Of a Roman house, the principal parts were the Vestibulum, or court before the door, open to the street; the Ostium, Janua, or Fores, the entrance; the Atrium, Cavum Ædium, or Cavædium, with the Compluvium open over the central tank (termed the Impluvium); the Alæ (wings), Tablinum, Fauces, and Peristylium: of each of which a notice will be found in its alphabetical place in this work. (See also Cubicula, Triclinia, Exedræ, Pinacotheca, Bibliotheca, Balneum, Culina, Cœnacula, Diæta, Solaria, &c.) The floors of a Roman house were either of the composition called Ruderatio, and, from the process of beating down pavita, were then called Pavimentum, or of stone or marble or mosaics (Musivum opus). The inner walls were usually covered with frescoes. The ceilings left the beams visible, which supported the roof, and the hollow or unplanked spaces (Lacunaria or Laquearia) were often covered with gold and ivory, or with paintings. (See Camara.) The principal apartments had no windows, deriving their light from the roof; in the upper stories there were windows either open or latticed, or later filled with mica, and finally glass.
Fig. 263. Atrium with Doric columns. (See also Fig. [49].)
Don Pottery. A name given to the productions of a porcelain manufactory established in 1790 at Swinton on the Don.
Fig. 264. Donjon.
Donjon, Mod. The principal tower of a Norman or mediæval castle. It was generally separate from the other parts of the building. The greater number of feudal fortresses originally consisted merely of a donjon erected on an artificial earthwork. This donjon was surrounded by an open space walled, called the Inner Bailey, and another beyond called the Outer Bailey. Beneath were the dungeons. Fig. [264] represents a donjon called the Tower of Loudun. The White tower is the donjon of the Tower of London.
Doom. In Christian art, the Last Judgment; a subject usually painted over the chancel arch in parochial churches.
Dorelot. A network for the hair, worn by ladies in the 14th century. (See Calantica, Crespine, &c.)
Fig. 265. Column and Capital of the Doric Order.
Doric Order of Architecture. The earliest and simplest of the three Greek orders. “The Grecian Doric order, at its best period, is one of the most beautiful inventions of architecture—strong and yet elegant, graceful in outline and harmonious in all its forms, imposing when on a great scale, and pleasing equally when reduced in size, by the exquisite simplicity of its parts.” (Newlands.) The columns of this order had no pedestal, nor base; the capital, which was half a diameter in height, had no astragal, but a few plain fillets, with channels between them, under the ovolo, and a small channel below the fillets. The ovolo is generally flat, and of great projection, with a quirk, or return. On this was laid the Abacus, which was only a plain tile, without fillet or ornament. A peculiarity of this order was the flutings of the column, twenty in number, shallow, and with sharp edges. The best examples of the Grecian Doric of which we have descriptions and figures are the temples of Minerva (called the Parthenon) and of Theseus at Athens, and that of Minerva at Sunium. The Roman Doric differs in important particulars from the Grecian. (See Roman Doric.)
Dormant or Couchant, Her. Asleep. (See Couchant.)
Dormer (Fr. dormir, to sleep). The top story in the roof of a house.
Dormer Window. A gabled window in the sloping side of a roof, projecting vertically; when it lies in the slope of the roof, it is a skylight.
Dorneck, Dornex, or Dornyks, O. E. An inferior damask, wrought of silk, wool, linen thread, and gold, at Tournay or Dorneck; 15th century.
Dorsale, Dosser, Dossier, Chr. (dorsum, the back). Pieces of tapestry or hangings put up in the arches or bays surrounding the choir of a church in order to screen the clergy and choristers from draughts of air. Also pieces of tapestry hung upon parapets, the panels of pulpits and stalls, and sometimes the backs of side-boards. It was the custom to hang tapestry, cloth of Arras, or needlework round the lower half of all the ancient dining-halls to a height of about five feet above the basement.
Dorsualia, R. (dorsum). An embroidered saddle-cloth, which was laid across the back of a horse on the occasion of a triumphal entry, or on the backs of victims for sacrifice. Examples of dorsualia occur on several monuments, in especial on a bas-relief of the arch of Titus, at Rome.
Doryphorus, Gen. (δορυ-φόρος). Literally, spear-bearer. Fig. [130] represents a Persian spearman. A celebrated statue of Polycletus (of the Argive school) is called the Doryphorus. “Polycletus advanced his art in several respects, chiefly by fixing a law of proportion, of which his Doryphorus, a youth bearing a spear, was called the Canon (q.v.); and also by his making the weight of the body rest on one foot, in contradistinction to the ancient practice, thereby producing a contrast between the supporting, weight-bearing side of the body, and the supported, freely-resting side.” (Butler’s Imitative Art.) The statue by Polycletus is lost. The proportions handed down to us by Vitruvius are thus described by Bonomi:—
(1) The length of the horizontally extended arms equals the height of the figure.
(2) The head is an eighth, the face a tenth of the whole height.
(3) From the top of the scalp to the nipples is one-fourth.
(4) From the nipples to horizontal line across the centre of the square—the pubes—is one-fourth.
(5) From that line to one just below the knee-cap is one-fourth.
(6) From that line to the ground is one-fourth.
(7) The forearm (from the elbow) is a fourth of the height; the hand a tenth.
Dose or Dosall, O. E. (Lat. Dorsale, q.v.).
Dossar. (See Dorsale.)
Douai. A manufactory of modern faience established in 1784, producing stone-wares and “cailloutages.”
Doublé, Fr. (1) The term is applied to precious stones, when cemented upon glass. (2) The inside lining of a well-bound book.
Fig. 267. Doublet costume, temp. Elizabeth.
Doublet, although deriving its name from the French word doublée (lined), is in that language more generally known as “Pourpoint,” of which, in fact, it is merely a variety. It first appeared in England in the 14th century made without sleeves, which for convenience were afterwards added; and being universally adopted, it superseded the tunic. The engraving shows a doublet with stuffed sleeves of the time of Elizabeth. They were worn of varied forms till the reign of Charles II. (Fig. [267].)
Doubling, Her. The lining of a mantle or mantling.
Fig. 268. Two Doves. Device of Giovanna de’ Medici.
Dove. A Christian symbol of frequent occurrence; it expresses candour, gentleness, innocence, faith, and, in especial, the Holy Spirit. It is also a symbol of martyrdom and grief, and in this signification appears frequently represented on tombs and sarcophagi. With an olive-bough in its mouth it is a symbol of peace, and accordingly the inscription Pax (Peace) is often found accompanying representations of the dove, more particularly in the catacombs. With the Assyrians and Babylonians the dove was the symbol of Semiramis, who, according to them, took this shape on leaving earth. The dove was the favourite bird of Venus. As a symbol of conjugal fidelity, the device of two turtle-doves was adopted by Giovanna of Austria on her marriage with Francesco de’ Medici. (Fig. [268].)
Fig. 269. Dove-tailed Masonry.
Dove-tail or Swallow-tail, Gen. A method of joining employed for wood, stone, or iron, and so called because the tenon by which the joint is effected is cut in the shape of a dove-tail or swallow-tail. This tail fits into a notch (Fig. [269]). The ancients employed double dove-tails for joining stones together; this method of construction was called Opus Revinctum (q.v.).
Dove-tail Moulding, Arch. (Norman; called also Triangular Frette). Decorated with running bands in the form of dove-tails.
Doves, the Eucharistic. Sacred vessels of gold, silver, gilded bronze, or ivory, in the form of a dove, a tower, &c., which served as receptacles for the reserved Host; they were hung up in the middle of the Ciborium (q.v.). At the Amiens Museum a dove of this kind is to be seen dating from the 12th century, and at the church of St. Nazaire at Milan there is one of silver, gilded within and enamelled without, which is also very ancient.
Dowlas, O. E. Coarse linen cloth made in Brittany; “filthy dowlas!”
Drachma, Gr. (δραχμή; δράσσομαι, to hold in the hand). A drachm, the principal silver coin of the Greeks. There were two kinds of drachmata, which differed in value: the Attic drachm and the Æginetan. The Attic drachma was equal in value to a franc, equal to six oboloi. The piece of four drachmas was called a stater. As a weight the drachma was the eighth of an uncia; about = our modern drachm.
Draco, Gen. (1) A dragon; the ensign of the Roman cohort in the time of Trajan, adopted from the Parthians. (2) A fantastic animal of Pagan mythology: the garden of the Hesperides, the Golden Fleece, and the fountain of Castalia were all guarded by dragons. (3) In Christian archæology the dragon symbolizes sin, especially idolatry. (4) The Chinese give to several immortals the figure of a dragon. They distinguish the long dragon of heaven, a being especially sacred; the Kau, dragon of the mountain; and the Li, dragon of the sea. The dragons are represented as “gigantic saurians, with powerful claws, and terminated by a frightful head, scaly and strongly toothed.” There are the scaly dragon, the winged dragon, the horned and the hornless dragons, and the dragon rolled within itself which has not yet taken flight to the upper regions. In their zodiacal system the dragon is the sign for the month of March. (See Tchy.)
Draconarius, R. The standard-bearer who carried the draco.
Dracontarium, R. A band for the head, so called because it was twisted in imitation of the draco which was used as an ensign.
Fig. 270. Heraldic Dragon.
Dragon, Her. A winged monster having four legs. (See Draco.)
Dragon. A short carbine (hence “dragoons”).
Dragon’s Blood. A resinous astringent extract of a deep red colour, used as a colouring ingredient for spirit and turpentine varnishes and paints, &c. The Roman cinnabar was Dragon’s Blood.
Draught (or Drawte) Chamber, O. E. The with drawing room.
Draughts, Game of. (See Dames, Latrunculi.)
Dravid’ha, Hind. A Hindoo temple constructed on an octagonal plan. (See Nagaras, Vimana, Vesara.)
Fig. 271. Dresden milk-jug.
Dresden Porcelain, made at the Royal Manufactory established at Meissen in Saxony in 1709, is most excellent anterior to 1796, since when its ancient perfection has been lost. The mark of the best period is two crossed swords, with a sloped cross or a small circle beneath. The later mark has a star beneath the swords. On rejected pieces the swords were cut across with a line; but the manufactory at the present day counterfeits its old marks. Fig. [271] is a specimen of the best period, later than 1720 and before 1778.
Fig. 272. Pot-pourri vase, Dresden china.
Dressoir or Dressouer (the buffet of the 15th century, the évidence of the 16th) was the principal object of the dining-room, on which were displayed all the ornamental plate of the owner of the house, costly vases, &c. Kings had often three dressers, one for silver, another for silver-gold, and the third for gold plate. In form they varied; but they were made of the most valuable woods, and enriched with the finest carving. They were sometimes covered over with cloth of gold: the city of Orleans offered one in gold to Charles IV., which was valued at 8000 livres Tournois.
Drilbu, Hind. A bell used in Buddhist worship.
Drinking-cups of Glass are frequently found in the Saxon barrows or graves in England. They are ornamented in various patterns, and rounded at the bottom. The Anglo-Saxons were also rich in cups of the precious metals. They used horn cups also, as did the Normans. In the 15th century flat-shaped cups or bowls were used.
Drip, Arch. The edge of a roof; the eaves; the corona of a cornice.
Drip-stone, Arch. The moulding in Gothic architecture which serves as a canopy for an opening and to throw off the rain. It is also called weather-moulding and water-table. (See also Corona.)
Dromo, Dromon, R. (δρόμων; δραμεῖν, to run). A vessel remarkable for its swift sailing; hence—
Dromon or Dromound, O. E. A mediæval ship, propelled by oars and one sail, used for the transport of troops. The Crusaders called it a dromedary.
Dromos, Gr. and Egyp. (δρόμος). (1) The Spartan race-course. (2) An avenue leading to the entrances of Egyptian temples; that leading to the great temple of Karnac contained 660 colossal sphinxes, all of which were monoliths.
Drop Lake is a pigment obtained from Brazil wood, which affords a very fugitive colour.
Drops, Arch. (Lat. guttæ). Ornaments resembling drops, used in the Doric entablature, immediately under the TRIGLYPH and MUTULE.
Druidic (Monuments), Celt. Celtic monuments, also known by the name of Megalithic. (See Standing stones, Dolmens, Menhirs, Cromlechs, &c.). The most ancient and probably the largest Celtic or Druidical temple was at Avebury in Wiltshire. Dr. Stukeley, who surveyed it in 1720, says that “this may be regarded as the grand national cathedral, while the smaller circles which are met with in other parts of the island may be compared to the parish or village churches.”
Drum, Arch. (1) Of a dome or cupola, the Stylobate (or vertical part on which the columns rest). (2) Of the Corinthian and Composite capitals, the solid part; called also Bell, Vase, Basket.
Dry Point. Direct engraving upon copper with the sharp etching-needle itself, without the plate being covered with etching-ground, or the lines bit in by acid. This method produces very soft and delicate work, but it is not so durable in printing as the etched line.
Dryers. In painting, substances imparted to oils to make them dry quickly. The most general in use is OXIDE of LEAD, but white copperas, oxide of manganese, ground glass, oxide of zinc, calcined bones, chloride of lime, and verdigris have all been used at various times.
Drying Oil. Boiled oil, used in painting as a vehicle and a varnish. It is linseed oil boiled with litharge (or oxide of lead).
Dryness. A style of painting in which the outline is harsh and formal, and the colour deficient in mellowness and harmony.
Duck-bills, O. E. Broad-toed shoes of the 15th century.
Fig. 273. Duke’s coronet.
Duke, Her. The highest rank and title in the British peerage; first introduced by Edward III. in the year 1337, when he created the Black Prince the first English duke (in Latin “dux”). The coronet of a duke, arbitrary in its adornment until the 16th century was far advanced, is now a circlet, heightened with eight conventional strawberry-leaves, of which in representation three and two half-leaves are shown. (Boutell.)
Dulcimer. A musical instrument, the prototype of our pianoforte. It was very early known to the Arabs and Persians, who called it santir. One of its old European names is the cimbal. The Hebrew nebel, or perhaps the psanterin mentioned by Daniel, is supposed to have been a dulcimer; the psalterion of the Greeks also. A hand organ of the Middle Ages was called a dulcimer.
Dunkirk. A manufactory of modern faience which only existed for a short time in the 18th century, and was closed within a year. The works are therefore very rare. Jacquemart mentions a clock bearing a close resemblance to certain Dutch products, inscribed Dickhoof and A. Duisburg, and by the latter name identified as Dunkirk work.
Duns, Celtic. Ancient hill forts of the simplest kind, consisting of a round or oval earthen wall and ditch on a rising ground, probably contemporary with the pit dwellings.
Dunster, O. E. Broad cloth made in Somersetshire, temp. Edward III.
Dutch Pink. (See Pinks.)
Dutch White. (See Carbonate of Lead, Barytes.)
Dwararab’ha, Dwaragopouras, Dwaraharmya, Dwaraprasada, Dwarasala, Ind. (See Gopouras.)