Dactylus, Gr. (δάκτυλος, a finger). The Roman digitus; a finger-breadth, the 16th part of a foot.
Dado, Arch. (1) The part of a pedestal between the base and the cornice. (2) In apartments, an arrangement of moulding, &c., round the lower part of the wall.
Dædal. A fanciful word coined by the poet Spenser, for “variegated in design.”
Dædala, Gr. Ancient images preserved in sanctuaries in memory of Dædalus, to whom were attributed the greater number of those works of art the origin of which was unknown. Hence the name was especially attributed to certain wooden statues, ornamented with gilding, bright colours, and real drapery, which were the earliest known form of images of the gods.
Dædala, Gr. (δαίδαλα). Festivals in honour of Hera, celebrated in Bœotia.
Dæmon, Daimon, Gr. (δαίμων). The good genius who watched over an individual during his whole life, like the Latin Lar and Genius. It was the belief of Socrates that he was guided by his Daimon in every important act and thought of his life. The word has a general meaning of “Divinity.”
Dag or Dagge. Old English name of a pistol.
Dagges, O. E. Ornamental cutting of the edges of garments, introduced into England about 1346. (See the illustration to Cointise, Fig. [177]).
Dagob, Hindoo. A conical tumulus or shrine in which relics and images of Buddha were worshipped.
Dag-swain, O. E. A sort of rough material of which coverlets for beds, tables, or floors were made.