Amphotis, Gr. and R. 1. A brass cap lined with cloth inside. 2. A simple woollen cap worn by athletes to protect their temples and ears from the blows of the cestus, in a boxing match. 3. A wooden vessel in use among the ancient Greek peasants, as a milking-pail. It derived its name from having two handles or ears.
Ampulla, Gr. and R. A phial or flask with short and narrow neck and spherical body, which was used to hold the oil requisite for bathers (ampulla oleria); it could also be used to hold vinegar, wine, and other beverages, and was then called ampulla potaria. The ampulla generally took the form of a globe or bladder, but not invariably; a lentil-shaped variety with rounded sides was very common. Ampulla rubida was the name given to the leather-covered flasks which were made use of by travellers or sportsmen to carry wine, vinegar, or oil. The vessel or cruet used in Christian churches for the consecrated oil or wine was hence called the Ampul.
Ampyx, Gr. and R. (ἄμπυξ, from ἀμπέχω, to surround). Latin frontale. A general term to denote any net composed of strings, bands, or ribbons, which forms a head-band. It thus denotes at once a woman’s head-dress, or the ornamental strips of leather which serve as head-band for a horse. The ampyx worn by women was in some cases very costly, being made of gold or silver, and adorned with precious stones. The term was also applied, by analogy, to the cover of a vase. Another word for it is ampicter.
Amulets. Objects of a very heterogeneous description, to which is superstitiously attributed the power of healing certain diseases, or averting them from men and animals. This is the meaning which attaches, in its widest sense, to the term amulet (amuletum). Amulets are unquestionably of Eastern origin; by the Egyptians they were looked upon as preservatives against dangers, unlucky days, enemies, &c. The varieties of them were very numerous; among others, were scarabæi, small columns, cartouches, symbolic eyes, interlacing fingers, heads of uræus, &c. A large number of stones were also employed as amulets; those of commonest occurrence are hematite, jasper, lapis lazuli, amethysts, diamonds, heliotropes, &c. Each of these amulets had its special virtue; for instance, the clear crystal worn during prayer rendered the god propitious, and compelled him to give ear to the suppliant. Coral kept every evil influence away from a house; and in Italy it is looked upon, even at the present day, as a preservative against the evil eye. In Christian archæology, the name of amulets, or in some instances, Encolpia (q.v.), was given to relics, or objects of devotion, such as crosses, medals, wood from the true cross, the bones of saints, &c. Amulets were also called periapta (περίαπτα), i. e. suspended, because they were hung round the neck, and also pyctacium, because some amulets were folded in two. The Arabic word amulet means the same as periapta, that which is suspended.
Amussis, R. The exact sense of this term is not clearly defined by ancient authors, beyond the fact that it denotes generally any kind of instrument employed by builders—especially masons—for testing the accuracy, regularity, and evenness of their work. The term is used to denote sometimes the plumb-line, rule, or square; sometimes the level, measuring-line, &c.
Anabathra, Gr. and R. (ἀνά-βαθρα, steps up). Steps or stairs; a raised step; a mounting block. These last were often placed along the high roads.
Anabologium, Chr. Another name for the Humerale or Amice (q.v.).
Anaceia or Anakeia, Gr. (from ἄναξ, a king). A festival held at Athens in honour of Castor and Pollux, who were also called Anaktes and Anakestes. (See Anaceium). Similar festivals were held at Sparta, Argos, and other cities of Greece.
Anaceium, Gr. A temple of ancient Athens, dedicated to Castor and Pollux. Slaves used to be sold there.
Anaclinterium, Gr. (ἀνακλιντήριον). The head-board of a sofa or bed, which served as a support for the bolster and the pillow on which the sleeper’s head rested.