Organdi. A kind of muslin.
Organistrum, O. E. A musical instrument, resembling the modern hurdy-gurdy, played by two persons, of whom one turned the handle, while the other played the keys.
Organolyricon. A musical instrument invented in Paris in 1810 by M. de St. Pern. It consists of a pianoforte with two rows of keys, and contains twelve different wind instruments, viz. three flutes, an oboe, a clarionet, a bassoon, horns, trumpet, and fife.
Organzine. Thrown silk of a very fine texture. (S.)
Orgies, Gr. (ὄργια). Festivals of Bacchus at which all who were present were carried away by frenzy. The same term was also used to denote the festivals of Ceres and those of the Cabiri.
Orgues, Fr. Med. (1) Pieces of timber, pointed and shod with iron, hung like a portcullis over a gateway, to be let down in case of attack. (2) An arrangement of gun-barrels, the precursor of the mitrailleuse. (S.)
Orgyia (from ὀρέγω, to extend). A Greek measure of length, representing the distance from end to end of the outstretched arms, or the height of the human figure. It was equal to four cubits or six feet, and was one-hundredth of a stadium.
Orichalcum (from ὄρος and χαλκὸς, i. e. mountain bronze). A metallic compound, akin to copper and bronze, which was highly prized by the ancients. It was probably brass.
Oriel or Oriole, Chr. (oriolum, a little entrance). A projecting angular window, generally triangular or pentagonal in shape. A large bay or recessed window in a church or in an apartment. The word has been used in many senses, with the general meaning of a recess within or a projection from a building. A small oratory.
Orientation, Chr. The arrangement of a church by which a worshipper faces the east at prayers.