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

Dirk. A Scotch dagger.

Fig. 252. Tazza of Diruta, with head of “Rome.”

Diruta. An important porcelain manufactory in the Papal States, established by a pupil of Luca della Robbia in 1461.

Discerniculum, R. (discerno, to divide). A bodkin used by Roman women in the toilet to part their hair. (See Combs.)

Discharging Arch. An arch built into the structure of a wall, to relieve the parts below it of the pressure of those above it; such arches are common over flat-headed doors or other openings.

Discinctus, Gr. and R. (discingo, to ungird). A man who is ungirt, that is, who does not wear a girdle round the waist of his tunic; for a man, this was a mark of effeminate manners. Discinctus miles denoted a soldier who had been stripped by his commander of his sword-belt, as a mark of disgrace. (Compare Cingulum.)

Disclosed, Her. With expanded wings, in the case of birds that are not birds of prey. The contrary to Close.

Fig. 253. Discobolus of Myron copied on a gem.