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

Festoon, Arch. Garland of flowers. (Fig., 309.) (See Encarpa.)

Festra, R. An abbreviation anciently employed for Fenestra (q.v.).

Festuca or Vindicta, R. The rod which the lictor held over the head of a slave during the ceremony of manumissio, by which he was given his freedom. (See Manumissio.)

Fetter-lock, Her. A shackle, padlock; a Yorkshire badge.

Fibrinæ (vestes), Fibrinæ (lanæ). (See Castoreæ.)

Fig. 310. Fibula. Gallic.

Fig. 311. Fibula. Gallic.

Fibula, Gen. (figo, to fix). (1) A clasp, buckle, or brooch; any contrivance made of gold, silver, bronze, ivory, &c., used for fastening male or female attire. (2) The buckle of a head-band (tænia, vitta). Figs. 310 and 311 represent buttons and clasps belonging to the Gaulish and Merovingian periods. [The girdles of the Franks and Saxons, found in English tombs, were usually ornamented most profusely. Not only were the buckles (fibulæ) of the richest workmanship, and conspicuous for size and decoration, but they are sometimes supplemented by enchased plates, or plates set with precious stones. (Roach Smith.)] (See Figs. [a]105] to [113].)