Acroterium, Gr. and R. (ἀκρωτήριον, the extremity of anything). In a signification more restricted than the primary one, yet generally admitted, the term acroteria is applied to the plain socles and pedestals placed at the summit of buildings to support statues, groups, or other crownings. Acroterium was the common name for the acrostolium, and the taking of it away as a trophy was called acroteriazein.
Actia, Gr., festivals held every fourth year, at Actium, in Epirus, in honour of Apollo.
Actinic (rays of light:) chemically active.
Actuariæ, R. (See Naves). Open boats, built to attain a high degree of speed, propelled by sails and sweeps, and never fitted with less than eighteen oars. Pirates used this class of vessel exclusively.
Actuarii, R. The shorthand writers who took down speeches in the senate. Also certain officials who answered to our commissariat officers.
Acuminated, Arch. Finishing in a point, like a lofty Gothic roof.
Acus, R. (Gr. ἀκὴ, a point). A bodkin, needle, or pin. The acus denoted both a needle for sewing and a pin for fastening anything. When used for the hair it was called acus crinalis or comatoria. In Christian archæology the word applies to the jewelled pins used as fastenings to papal or archiepiscopal vestments. The Roman acus is worn in the hair by the Italian peasant woman of the present day.
Addorsed, Her. (1) Back to back; (2) pointing backwards.
Adespotoi, Gr. (ἀ-δέσποτοι, i. e. without masters). A name given to a certain class of freedmen at Sparta.
Adobare, Med. To entrust with arms (to “dub” a knight). Meyrick.