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

Fig. 284. Great Seal of Queen Elizabeth.

Elizabethan. The style of architecture and decoration gradually developed during the reign of the Tudors in England. Its characteristics are a mixed revival of classical forms with quaint and grotesque relics of the Gothic. Typical examples are Crewe Hall, Speke, in Lancashire, Haddon Hall, Kenilworth Castle, Raglan Castle, &c.

Ellipsis, Ellipse. A figure formed by cutting a cone obliquely across its length; hence—

Ellipsograph. An instrument for describing a semi-ellipse.

Ellotia or Hellotia. A Corinthian festival with a torch-race, in honour of Athena as a goddess of fire.

Ellychnium, R. (λύχνος, a light). The wick of an oil lamp; it was made of flax fibres or papyrus.

Emarginated. Having the margin broken by a notch or notches.

Embalming was frequently practised by the early Christians, especially with the bodies of martyrs. The practice was derived from the Jews. As a pagan ceremony embalming was intended to facilitate cremation.

Embalon, Gr. and R. A beak, corresponding to the modern ram, under the bows of a war galley, for the purpose of sinking the enemy.

Embas, Gr. A shoe of white felt, used esp. by the Bœotians.