Fig. 247. Di-amante, Punning device of Pietro de’ Medici.
Diamond Rings were used as seal and bearings on his escutcheon (represented in Fig. [100]) by Cosmo de’ Medici, the founder of the famous Florentine family. The device in various forms was invariably adopted by his descendants. Fig. [247] is the device of Pietro de’ Medici († 1470), the son of Cosmo: a falcon with a ring, and the punning motto, “Semper,” forming with the device the words “Semper fa-’l-con di (Dio) amante.”
Diapasma, Gr. and R. (διαπάσσω, to sprinkle). A powder made of dried flowers and odoriferous herbs, which was put in a sachet for use as a perfume, or rubbed over the body.
Diaper, Arch. Ornament of sculpture in low relief, sunk below the general surface.
Diaper, O. E. A mode of decoration by a repeated pattern, carved or painted, generally in squares, representing flowers and arabesques.
Fig. 248. Diapered surcoat of a Herald, with the clarion.
Diaper or Damask, a name given to a fine linen cloth made at Ypres, is spoken of as early as the 13th century.
“Of cloth making she had such a haunt,
She passed hem of Ypres and of Gaunte.”