Amiantus, (ἀμίαντος [? undefiled]). A fibrous uninflammable mineral substance. It was used by the ancients for making fire-proof clothing. It was known by the name of asbestus (ἄσβεστος, uninflammable).
Amice. A piece of fine linen in the form of an oblong square, suspended over the shoulders of the clergy. Pugin says it is “a white linen napkin or veil worn by all the clergy above the four minor orders.” Durand says it is a proper covering for the head, typical of the helmet of salvation alluded to by the apostle; or of the cloth with which the Jews covered the Saviour’s face, when they asked him to prophecy who struck him. Milton, in Paradise Regained, alludes to it,—
“Morning fair
Came forth with pilgrim steps, in amice grey.”
Amma, Egyp. (1) A measure of length in use among the ancient Egyptians. It was about sixty feet. (2) A kind of line used in land surveying.
Ammah, Egyp. The door which formed the exit from the abode of the dead. Chapters lxxiii. and cxv. of the Book of the Dead are entitled,—On passing Ammah; i. e. directing one’s course to heaven by stepping over the Ammah.
Amorevole of Verona. One of the Italian literary academies. Their device was a hedgehog with its spines laden with grapes (for its young). Motto, “non solum nobis.”
Amorini, Ital. Cupids.
Ampelitis, Gr. (ἄμπελος, a vine). A black pigment prepared by the ancients from the burnt branches of the vine.
Amphibalus, Chr. A vestment, used on Sundays and high festivals; peculiar to the Gallican Church.