Fig. 204 Crenellated walls at Pompeii.
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.]
Fig. 205. Crepido in a street in Pompeii.
Crepido, Gr. and R. (κρηπίς). In a general sense, any kind of base or stand upon which another object rests, and by analogy the embankment of a quay, a dike, or jetty. The term is also applied to the raised causeway for foot passengers at the side of a road or street. Fig. [204] represents a crepido on a high road near Pompeii, and Fig. [205] a crepido in the streets of the same town.
Crepitaculum, R. (crepo, to creak). A child’s rattle, made in the form of a circle to which bells were attached. These rattles have been found in the excavations of Pompeii. Some authors apply the term to the Sistrum of the Egyptians.
Crepitus (sc. digitorum), R. A snapping of the fingers made by pressing the tip of the thumb firmly against the tip of the middle finger.
Crepundia, R. A general term for playthings for children, as well as for necklaces of various ornaments, or amulets. These were in some instances of great length, and were worn by the children like shoulder-belts.
Créquier, Her. The wild plum-tree: the device of the Créquy family.