Apex, R. (apex, the top). A piece of olive wood pointed at the end, and set in a flock of wool. It formed the head-dress of the Flamines and Salii. By analogy, the term was further used to denote a cap, and also the ridge on the top of a helmet to which the horsehair crest was attached.
Aphractus, Gr. and R. (ἄφρακτον, lit. unguarded). A vessel without a deck, or only partly decked fore and aft.
Aphrodisia, Gr. (Ἀφροδίσια). A general term under which were comprised all the festivals held in honour of Venus (Aphroditè).
Fig. 33. Aplustre and anchor of a Roman ship.—From bas-relief.
Aplustre, Gr. and R. (ἄφλαστον). An ornament placed at a ship’s stern. It was constructed of flexible wooden planks, in imitation of the feather of a bird’s wing.
Apobates, Gr. (Lat. Desultor). One who dismounts. (1) Soldiers in chariots who leaped in and out in the fight. (2) The circus riders who leaped from one horse to another.
Apodyterium, R. and Gr.-R. (from ἀπὸ δύω, to put off). In a general sense, an undressing-room, and more particularly the apartment in the baths where the bathers undressed. As little light penetrated from without, there was generally a lamp burning in a niche. An apodyterium such as that just described may still be seen at Pompeii.
Apollino, It. The name usually given to the beautiful “Apollo of Florence,” attributed to Praxiteles.
Apophyge or Apophysis, Arch. The small fascia or band at the top and base of the shaft of columns.