An Illustrated Dictionary of Words used in Art and Archaeology / Explaining terms frequently used in works on architecture, arms, bronzes, Christian art, colour, costume, decoration, devices, emblems, heraldry, lace, personal ornaments, pottery, painting, sculpture, &c., with their derivations.

by John W. Mollett

Morris Pike, O. E. (for Moorish). Long pikes copied from those of the Moors, the staves of which were covered with little nails.

Morse, Chr. (Fr. mordre, to bite). The clasp or brooch which fastened the cope on the breast. (See the illustration to Pope.)

Mort, O. E. (death). The notes blown on the horn at the death of a deer.

Mortuary Palls, in the Middle Ages, for the covering of the biers of dead people were richly decorated. One at Amiens is decorated, upon white stripes on a black ground, with skulls and bones and the words “memento mori” interspersed.

Mosaic, or more correctly Musaic Work. Opus Musivum, glass mosaic; Opus Tesselatum, clay mosaic; Opus Lithostrotum, stone mosaic.

Mosaic Glass, Millefiori. (See Glass.)

Mose. (1) Probably a dish (“Dyschmete” made of apples was called “Appulmoce”). (2) For Morse (q.v.).

Moton, O. E. A piece of armour intended to protect the right armpit, used in the reigns of Henry VI., Edward IV., and Richard III.

Mottoes, in Heraldry, are words, or very short sentences, sometimes placed above the crest, but generally below the shield. Mottoes are sometimes emblematical or allusive, and frequently punning, as the “Set on” of the Setons, the “Tight on” of the Tittons, and the “Est hic” of the Eastwicks. (See Labels [2].)

Mould. (See Mold.)