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

Operculum, R. A cover for any kind of earthenware vessel.

Ophicleide (ὄφις, a serpent, and κλεὶς, a key). A wind instrument of brass or copper made in the form of a serpent. Generally, the bass of a military band.

Ophiomancy, Gr. Divination by snakes.

Ophiomorphous. Snake-shaped.

Ophite or Ophiolite. Green porphyry or Serpentine.

Ophites, Chr. A sect which arose in the 2nd century in the Christian Church. They believed that the Serpent who tempted Eve was Christ himself. They are also called Serpentinians. (S.)

Fig. 501. Opima Spolia. Trophy of Gallic Ensigns.

Opima Spolia, R. The “spoils of honour,” consisting of armour set up as a trophy and dedicated in the temple of Jupiter Feretrius at Rome. These were spoils taken from the chief of a hostile army, who had been killed by the hand of a Roman general. Plutarch asserts that the spolia opima were actually taken only three times.

Opinicus, Her. A fabulous heraldic monster; a dragon before and a lion behind, with a camel’s tail.