An Illustrated Dictionary of Words used in Art and Archaeology / Explaining terms frequently used in works on architecture, arms, bronzes, Christian art, colour, costume, decoration, devices, emblems, heraldry, lace, personal ornaments, pottery, painting, sculpture, &c., with their derivations.

by John W. Mollett

Cushion-capital, Arch. (1) A capital resembling a cushion pressed by a weight. (2) A cube rounded off at its lower angles; the capital most prevalent in the Norman style.

Cusp. In Astrology, the “entrance” of a “house.”

Fig. 226. Cuspis.

Fig. 227. Cuspis—Flint lance.

Figs. 228, 229, 230. Cuspides—Roman lances.

Cuspis, R. A point, more particularly the point of a lance, or javelin, since these were not barbed. Fig. [226] represents a javelin-head which gives a complete idea of the character of the point called cuspis; Fig. [227] shows a flint lance; and Figs. 228 to 230 the lance-headed cuspides affixed to the top of the Roman ensigns. (See Spiculum.)

Cusps. The foliations of architectural tracery, such as are formed by the points of a trefoil.