Fig. 154. Chaplet Moulding.
Chaplet, Arch. (Fr. chapelet). (1) A small cylindrical moulding, carved into beads and the like. (See Fig. [154].) (2) Chaplets of flowers, which were worn in England, by both sexes, on festive occasions, during the Middle Ages, and chaplets of jewels in earlier times. (3) Chr. It was anciently the custom to crown the newly baptized with a chaplet or garland of flowers. (4) Chr. A succession of prayers recited in a certain order, regulated by beads, &c. (5) In Heraldry. A garland or wreath. (See Crancelin.)
Chapter, Chr. (Lat. capitulum). The body of the clergy of a cathedral, united under the bishop.
Chapter-house, Chr. A place of assemblage for a Chapter of the clergy. That of Westminster contains some fine wall paintings of the middle of the 14th century.
Chaptrel, Arch. The capital of a column supporting an arch; an impost.
Character, Gr. and R. Generally, any sign or mark impressed, painted, or engraved on any object. In a more restricted sense, it denotes the instrument of iron or bronze with which such marks were made. In Art, the expression means a faithful adherence to the peculiarities of objects represented.
Charbokull, O. E. A carbuncle.
Charcoal Blacks are made of ivory, bones, vine-twigs, smoke of resin, &c., burned in a crucible excluded from the air. The best charcoal crayons are made of box and willow; the former produces a dense hard crayon, the latter a soft friable one. (Fairholt.) (See Blue Black.)
Chare Thursday, O. E. Maundy Thursday.