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

O was used as a numeral by the ancients to represent 11, and with a dash over it (Ō) to denote 11,000.

O, O. E. Anything circular. Shakspeare calls the stars “those fiery O’s.”

Oak-apple Day, O. E. The 29th of May, in commemoration of the escape of King Charles in the oak-tree.

Oak-tree, the emblem of virtue, force, and strength, is frequently introduced in ancient sculpture. In Christian art an attribute of St. Boniface, in allusion to his cutting down a Druidical oak.

Oasis (from the Coptic ouah, a resting-place). One of the verdant spots that occur at intervals in the deserts of Africa; hence any fertile spot in a desert, with the obvious symbolical application.

Oast-house, O. E. A kiln for drying hops.

Oban. The principal gold coin of Japan, worth about 4l. 2s.

Obba, Gr. and R. (ἄμβιξ). A drinking-vessel of earthenware or wood, probably funnel-shaped; hence—

Obbatus, Gr. and R. Made in the shape of an obba, that is, terminating in a point. The term is often applied to the cap of the Dioscuri.