Lacis. A kind of embroidery, of subjects in squares, with counted stitches (called also “point conté,” darned netting, &c.). (See Lace.)
Laconicum, R. A semicircular termination to a room in a set of baths (caldarium), so called because of Spartan origin. Under the word Balneæ will be found the laconicum of Pompeii, restored. (Fig. [56].)
Lacquer (Fr. laque) is made of a solution of shell-lac and alcohol, coloured with saffron or other colouring matters. Specimens of ancient Chinese red lacquer deeply carved with figures of birds, flowers, &c., and generally made in the form of trays, boxes, and sometimes vases, are met with in the more northern Chinese towns, and are much prized. What is called the old gold Japan lacquer is also esteemed by Chinese connoisseurs, and the specimens of this are comparatively rare at the present day. (Fortune.)
Lacs d’amour, Fr. True lovers’ knots.
Lacuna, R. (lacus, a hollow). An ash-pit placed beneath a lime-kiln to receive the ashes from the kiln.
Lacunar, Arch. A flat roof or ceiling, in contradistinction to a camera, vaulted roof.
Lacunaria, Arch. Panels in a flat ceiling (lacunar), formed by the rafters crossing one another at right angles. The edges of these panels are often decorated with carved and gilt ornaments, and the centres filled in with paintings.
Lacus, R. (λάκκος). A lake, and thence a large, shallow, open basin, or artificial reservoir; also, a pit made below the level of a wine-cellar (cella vinaria), or of an oil-cellar (cella olearis), to receive the wine or oil as it comes from the presses.
Lady. A word of Saxon origin, generally supposed to signify “loaf-giver,” from klaf, a loaf. As a title it belongs to the daughters of all peers above the rank of a viscount, but is extended by courtesy to the wives of knights.
Lady Day, Chr. The 25th of March. Festival of the Annunciation.