Asbestus. (See Amiantus.)
Ascendant, Her. Issuing upwards, as a flower.
Ascia, Gr. and R. A term applied to instruments of various shapes and employed for different purposes, but all bearing a general resemblance to a carpenter’s adze. The expression sub ascia dedicavit, which is frequently found engraved on tombs together with the representation of an ascia, has given rise to numerous interpretations. It is supposed that this expression signified: This tomb [never before used] has been dedicated to the memory of the person in whose honour it was erected; or possibly the formula implied that the plot upon which the memorial stood had been granted in perpetuity. After all the discussion to which the formula has given rise, these are the two hypotheses most generally accepted. (See Acisculus.)
Ascopera, Gr. and R. (ἀσκὸς, leathern bag or wine-skin; πήρα, a pouch). A large bag made of undressed leather, carried as knapsack by foot-travellers, and thus distinguished from the Hippopera (q.v.).
Ascolia, Ascolias, Gr. and R. (from ἀσκὸς, a wine-skin). An Athenian game which consisted in leaping upon a wine-skin, filled with wine and greased over with oil, during the festivals in honour of Dionysus.
Ashlar, Achelor, &c.; also Astler or Estlar, O. E. Hewn stone for the facings of walls. “Clene hewen Ashler.”
Asilla, R. A yoke, like a milkman’s, or the Malay picol, for carrying burdens; is a common object in Egyptian and all other ancient representations of domestic appliances.
Asinarii. A term of reproach inherited by the early Christians from the Jews, who were accused of worshipping an ass.
Askos, Gr. and R. (ἀσκός). A vessel, originally shaped like a leather bottle (uter) for holding water or wine. It was furnished with a handle at the top, and had sometimes two mouths, one of which served to fill, the other to empty it. Later on, the askos assumed the form of an earthenware pitcher.
Asor, Heb. A musical instrument of ten strings played with the plectrum.