Fig. 314. Finial.
Finial. In Gothic architecture, an ornament of carved work representing foliage, on the apex of a spire or pinnacle. (See Crocket.) (Fig. [314].)
Fir-cone upon a stem was the form of vases special to the majolica manufactory of Deruba; “a form,” says Jacquemart, “quite special to that manufactory, and directly imitated from the extreme East and from Asia Minor.”
Fire. Flames of fire placed near St. Anthony signify his spiritual aid as patron saint against fire in all shapes, in the next world and in this. Tongues of fire are, of course, depicted on the heads of the Apostles, in representations of the Day of Pentecost.
Fire-dog. (See Andiron.)
Fire-lock. The musket fired by flint and steel, invented in France about the year 1630. (See Match-lock.)
Fire-stommer, O. E. A poker.
Fiscus, R. A wicker-work basket used for gardening purposes, especially for gathering in the olive and grape crops. The Romans also made use of this basket for transporting sums of money; hence fiscus came to mean a moneychest, and was the name given to that part of the revenue which was applied to the civil list of the emperors [opposed to ærarium, the property of the senate]; but at last the word was used to signify generally the property of the state.
Fish. In Christian art, the symbol of water and the rite of baptism. (See Acrostic and Vesica Piscis.)
Fistuca, R. A pavior’s ram or beetle; a wooden bar or pile used to consolidate floorings, masonry, and pavements.