Fig. 452. Old Mechlin Lace, 17th century.
Fig. 453. Mechlin Lace, 18th century.
Mechlin Lace is fine, transparent, and effective. It is made in one piece on the pillow; its distinguishing feature is the flat thread which forms the flowers, and gives to the lace the character of embroidery. In 1699—when Charles II.’s prohibition to the introduction of Flanders lace was removed—Mechlin lace became the fashion in England, and continued so during the succeeding century. In the 17th century the Beguinage nuns were celebrated for their lace-making, and they supported their house by their work. Previous to 1665 the name of Mechlin was given to all pillow lace, and much of it was made like our modern insertion. The engraving shows a specimen of old Mechlin lace formerly in great favour as head-dresses and other trimmings.
Medallion. (1) A medal of a larger size than the ordinary coinage. (2) In Architecture, a circular or oval tablet on the face of a building.
Mediæval. (See Middle Ages.)
Medimnus, Gr. (μέδιμνος). The principal Greek measure of capacity, holding as much as six Roman modii. It was especially used for measuring corn.
Meditrinalia, R. (medeor, to remedy). Roman festivals in honour of Meditrina, the goddess of healing, celebrated on the 11th of October, at which new wine was tasted, it being looked upon by the Romans as a preservative of health.
Medium. The liquid in which pigments are ground. The best are linseed oil and nut oil.