Fig. 298. Escutcheon of the Sforzas.
Escutcheon. (1) The heraldic shield. (2) Metal plates on doors. Escutcheons are abundantly used in Gothic architecture, and are frequently carved on the bosses of ceilings and at the ends of weather mouldings, &c. Sometimes. instead of armorial bearings, escutcheons have the instruments of the Crucifixion or other devices carved on them.
Escutcheon of Pretence, Her. A shield charged upon the field of another shield of larger size, and bearing a distinct coat of arms.
Espadon. A long Spanish sword. It was the weapon used for decapitation of criminals.
Espietus, Expiotus, Med. Lat. A dart (1361).
Espringale, Springale, Espringold. A machine for throwing darts.
Esquire, Her. A rank next below that of knight.
Esseda, Essedum, R. (from the Celtic ess, a carriage). A chariot of Gaulish origin, drawn by two horses, which was used by the Britons and the Germans in war. It was mounted on two wheels, and was open in front, but closed behind. The pole was broad, and the rider used to run to and fro upon it in the battle. The Romans constructed carriages of a similar kind. A similar chariot drawn by one horse was called the cisium. (See Currus.)
Essonite. The cinnamon-stone, a variety of the garnet. It is of a reddish yellow tint, resembling the colour of cinnamon. These stones come principally from Ceylon, and are frequently sold for hyacinths or jacinths, from which, however, they differ in many important peculiarities. (H. Emanuel.)
Este. A manufactory in Italy of soft porcelain; also of fine faience and pipe-clay.