Anguilla, R. A whip made use of by Roman schoolmasters for punishing their scholars. It was so called because made from the skin of an eel (anguis).
Anguis, R. A serpent which among the Romans symbolized the local spirit (genius loci). Serpents were painted upon a wall to deter the public from defiling the spot thus indicated. At Pompeii these representations of serpents are found in the bakehouses, kitchens, and similar places where cleanliness is peculiarly desirable. The same term was applied to a military ensign in the shape of a serpent.
Anime. Gum anime is a resin, which is mixed with copal in making varnish, causing it to dry quickly and firmly.
Animosi of Milan. One of the Italian literary academies. Their device was “stags passing a river, resting on the heads of each other.” Motto, “Dant animos vices.” (Mutual help gives strength.)
Anklets, Gr. (See Periscelis.)
Annealing. The process of tempering brittle glass and metals by heat.
Annulet, Her. A plain ring, or false roundle.
Annulets, Arch. The rings or mouldings about the lower part of the echinos or ovolo of Doric capitals.
Annulus or Anulus, Gr. and R. (dimin. of anus, a ring). A finger-ring. They were originally made of iron, and used as a signet for sealing. Later on they were made of gold. Among the Greeks and Romans they were worn on the fourth finger of the left hand, whence the expression sedere ad anulos alicui, to be seated at any one’s left hand. The anulus bigemmis was a ring set with two precious stones; anulus velaris was a curtain ring. A plait of hair arranged in circles round the back of the head was also called anulus. In architecture the term was formerly employed instead of anulet. The stone most frequently used for rings was the onyx, upon which devices were carved with wonderful skill. The bezel, or part of the ring which contained the gem, was called Pala. (See Rings.)
Ansa, Gr. and R. A term signifying both haft and handle, and even eyelet or hole. Any vessel or vase which has large ears or circular handles on the neck or body, is said to be furnished with ansæ. Ansa ostii was the term applied to the handle by which a door is pulled or shut to. The bronze or iron eyelet on the top of a steelyard were also called ansæ stateræ. The holes or eyelets made in the side leathers of a Greek or Roman shoe were called ansæ crepidæ; the handle of the rudder, ansa gubernaculi; lastly an iron cramp was called ansa ferrea.