Linen. Painting on linen was largely practised in England during the 14th century; and a drawing sent by Albert Durer to Raphael is described by Vasari as having been painted “in water-colours on a fine linen cloth, which showed the transparent lights on both sides, without white; water-colours only being added, while the cloth was left for the lights; which thing appeared wonderful to Raphael.” (Vasari, Vita di Raffaello.)
Linen-scroll. A decorative ornament, common in German wood-carving of the 15th and 16th centuries. It resembles a napkin stood on end, and partly opened into scroll-shaped cylinders.
Linset, O. E. The stool on which women sat while spinning.
Linsey-woolsey (O. E. Lylse-wulse). Coarse woollen stuff first made at Linsey in Suffolk.
Linstock, O. E. (15th century). A pike, with branches on each side to hold a lighted match for firing artillery.
Lintel. The stone or beam placed across a door or window overhead (limen superius).
Linteolum, R. and Chr. (linteum). Any small piece of linen, such as a napkin or handkerchief.
Linter, R. A flat boat, frequently formed of the trunk of a tree, used in shallow waters for the transport of produce; it was also used in the construction of bridges of boats.
Linum, R. (λίνον). Flax, and thence anything made of that fibre.
Lion, O. E. (from lie on). The main beam of a ceiling.