Ephebeum, Gr. (ἐφηβεῖον). The large hall of a gymnasium, situated in the centre of the building, in which the youths (ephebi) practised gymnastic exercises.
Ephippium, Gr. (ἐφίππιον, i. e. for putting on a horse). A saddle. Among the Greeks and Romans it was a kind of pad, square or round in shape, and regularly stuffed. Saddle-cloths hung from it, but it had no stirrups. The word sella, or sella equestris, became common in later times.
Ephod, Hebrew. A short upper garment worn by the Jewish priests. The ephod, which was also worn by the Jewish judges and kings, was made of fine linen; that of the high priest consisted of a sleeved tunic, woven with gold thread, purple, hyacinth, and twisted flax. Two sardonyx stones set in gold adorned the clasps by which this tunic was fastened round the shoulders.
Epi or Girouette, Fr. The complicated iron ornament with which steeples and pointed roofs were surmounted in the architecture of the Renaissance period, replaced in modern times by the weathercock. A similar spiked ornament, of pottery or metal, is still common on the gables of houses in Normandy.
Epic. In Art, the graphic representation of an “epos,” or event, cardinal in history.
Epichysis, Gr. and R. (ἐπίχυσις, i. e. that which pours in). A Greek pitcher with a long neck and a handle; it was used for pouring wine into cups.
Epicopus, Gr. and R. (ἐπίκωπος, i. e. furnished with oars). A vessel with oars. (See Navis.)
Epicrocum, Gr. and R. A woman’s garment, of a saffron yellow (crocus), whence its name.
Epicycloid. “A curve described by the movement of the circumference of one circle on the convex or concave part of the circumference of another.” (Stormonth.)
Epideipnis, Gr. (i. e. following the dinner). The last course of a dinner or any kind of banquet.