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

Discobolus, Gr. and R. (δισκο-βόλος, i. e. discus-throwing). A man throwing the Discus (q.v.). [A celebrated statue of the sculptor Myron so called.]

Discus, R. (δίσκος; δικεῖν, to throw). This term denoted (1) the discus hurled by the Discobolus (q.v.); that is, a circular plate of metal or stone, about ten or twelve inches in diameter. (2) A sun-dial. (3) A shallow circular vessel for holding eatables.

Disk. (See Winged Disk.)

Disomum, Chr. (δί-σωμον, double-bodied). An urn or tomb which held the ashes or bodies of two persons; bisomum was also used. Both terms are met with in Christian inscriptions.

Fig. 254. Falcon Displayed.

Displayed, Her. Birds of prey with expanded wings. Fig. [254] represents the crest of Edward IV., the falcon and fetterlock.

Displuviatus, Displuviatum, R. An atrium, the roof of which was sloped outwards from the Compluvium (q.v.), instead of being sloped towards it. (See Impluvium and Atrium.)

Disposed, Disposition, Her. Arranged, arrangement.

Distaff. A common object in ancient art. It is an attribute of the Fates, and generally distaffs of gold were given to the goddesses. It was dedicated to Minerva. (See Colus.) The name of St. Distaff’s Day was given to the day after Twelfth Day in England.