Cuneus, R. (1) A wedge of wood, iron, or any other metal. (2) In a theatre or amphitheatre, a set of tiers comprised within two staircases (scalæ), so called from its wedge-like form. (3) A body of soldiers drawn up in the form of a wedge to break through the enemy’s line. The common soldiers called the formation caput porcinum, a pig’s head.
Cuniculus, R. (cuneus). An underground passage to a fortified place.
Cupa, R. A barrel or hogshead. Vinum de cupâ was wine which had not been drawn off in amphoræ; it was wine from the cask, new wine. The cupa was sometimes made of earthenware like the dolium. It was used for many purposes besides that of a wine-vat. (See Cupella.)
Cupel. A melting-pot for gold.
Cupella, R. and Chr. (dimin. of Cupa, q.v.). In Christian archæology, a tomb. The word occurs on a catacomb marble, inscribed with grotesque Latin: “I, Secunda, erected this cupella to my two children,” &c. [The cupa was sometimes used by the Romans as a sarcophagus.] (See Cinerarium.)
Cupola, It. A concave roof, circular or polygonal.
Cups. (See Coppa.)
Curb Roof, Arch. A Mansard roof; a roof with a double set of rafters on each side, of peculiar construction.
Curch, Gael. A kerchief.
Curfew. (See Couvre-feu, Fig. [202].)