Lyra, Gr. and R. (λύρα). A lyre; a stringed instrument which assumed various forms. On Assyrian monuments the lyre occurs in three different forms, and is held horizontally in playing. Its front bar was generally either oblique or slightly curved. It was played with a plectrum or with the fingers. The Hebrew lyre is represented on coins of Judas Maccabæus. Some have three strings, others five, and others six. The two sides of the frames appear to have been made of horns of animals. The Hebrew square-shaped lyre is probably the Psalterion, the Kinnor, a lyre of triangular shape, the instrument of King David, is named in the Bible as the oldest stringed instrument, the invention of Jubal. The Rabbis record that King David used to suspend his over his pillow at night. On Egyptian monuments, at Beni Hassan, a Hebrew lyre is represented, probably of the date of Joseph, 1700 B.C. The Greeks had lyres of many kinds, distinguished by different names; Lyra, a generic term, and also the lyre oval at the base, to be held in the lap; Kithara, with a square base, to be held against the breast; Chelys, a small lyre with body made of tortoise-shell; Phormix, a large lyre, &c. Some lyres have a bridge, others have none; the largest were probably held on or between the knees, or were tied by a band to the left arm. The strings of catgut or sinew were twanged with a plektron or short stem of ivory or metal, pointed at both ends. The lyre was the most favourite instrument of the Romans, under various names. The Cornu had a frame ending at the top in two long horns; the Barbitos was a lyre with a large body; the Psalterium was of an oblong square shape, &c. The lyre is represented in early Christian monuments of the 4th century. In one of them the Saviour is represented as Apollo touching the lyre. Anglo-Saxon MSS. of the 9th century also represent the lyre. A German fiddle of the 9th century, with only one string, is called lyra in the MS. In Christian symbolism the lyre represented “the attractive power of the Lord.” (See Mese.)
Lysis, Arch. A plinth, or step above the cornice of the podium which surrounds the Pedestal.
M.
M-roof, Arch. A roof formed by the junction of two common roofs, with a valley between them.
Macabre. (See Dance of Death.)
Macaronic Verses. A burlesque of Latin, chequered with Italian, Tuscan, and plebeian words, described by the author:—
“Ars ista poetica nuncupatur Ars Macaronica, a Macaronibus derivata; qui Macarones sunt quoddam pulmentum, farina, caseo, butyro compaginatum, grossum, rude et rusticanum. Ideo Macaronica nil nisi grossedinem, ruditatem, et Vocabulazzos debet in se continere.”
Macchia, It. (lit. a spot or stain). “The blocking out of the masses of light and shade.” (See Eastlake’s Materials, &c., ii. 355.)
Mace (Fr. masse or massue). A military club or staff, generally of iron with a wooden handle, useful for breaking defensive armour. The mace was generally worn at the saddle-bow; and was subsequently perforated to form a pistol, and finally superseded by the pistol. In the Middle Ages the mace became an emblem of office; and is so still—usually surmounted by a crown. (See Clava, Club.)
Macellarius, R. (macellum, a market). A keeper of a shop for the sale of fruit and cooked provisions. His shop was called taverna macellaria.