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

Flamen, R. A priest devoted to the service of any one god; e. g. Flamen Martialis, the priest of Mars. Their characteristic dress was the Apex, the Læna, and a laurel wreath.

Flaming Heart, in Christian symbolism, expresses fervent piety and love.

Flammeolum (dimin. of flammeum). A term denoting a texture much finer than that of the flammeum.

Flammeum, R. A bridal veil worn by the bride on the day of her marriage; it was of light gauze, and in colour of a vivid and brilliant yellow, like a flame; whence its name. It covered the lady from head to foot, and was removed by the bridegroom on their arrival home after the ceremony.

Flammula, R. A small flame; a small banner borne by light cavalry regiments; it was of a vivid and brilliant yellow colour, like the bridal flammeum; whence its name. (Modern Oriflamme, q.v.)

Flanches, Flasques, Her. Subordinaries.

Fig. 315. Flat-heads.

Flat-heads, Projecting-heads, Mod. An ornament peculiar to the Romano-Byzantine period, which decorates archivolts. Fig. [315] gives an example of flat-heads; Fig. [316] of projecting-heads.