Orthostata, Gr. (ὀρθόστατα, i. e. standing upright). (1) The facings of a wall, consisting of different materials from the internal part of it. (Fig. [512].) (2) An anta or pilaster.
Orthron. (See Hours of Prayer.)
Oscen, plur. Oscines, R. (os, mouth, and cano, to predict). A bird or birds from whose singing it was possible to draw auguries.
Oschophoria, Gr. (ὀσχο-φόρια, i. e. vine-branch-bearing). Athenian vintage festivals, instituted in honour of Bacchus and Ariadne by Theseus, or according to other authorities, in honour of Dionysus and Athena, in which those who took part carried vine-boughs loaded with grapes. The festival was concluded by a race on the seashore from the temple of Bacchus to that of Minerva. The victor’s prize was a cup called Pentaploa, because it contained five ingredients: wine, honey, cheese, meal, and oil.
Oscillatio, R. A swing. The Roman swings are represented having legs like a chair.
Oscilla, R. (dimin. of os, mouth or face). Small images or masks, generally of Bacchus, hung up in vineyards to ensure a good crop, and practically useful to scare off birds from the grapes.
Osculare, Osculatorium, Chr. (See Pax.)
Ossarium and Ossuarium, R. (os, a bone). A sarcophagus of earthenware, stone, or marble, in which the vessel containing the cremated ashes of the dead was placed.
Ossature, Arch. (from the Italian ossatura, skeleton). The skeleton or framework of a Gothic roof or a window. In the roof, the ossature comprises the nerves, the transverse or longitudinal arches, the diagonal rib, &c.; in a window, the iron framing.
Osteau, Arch. An old term used to denote the rose placed in the upper part of a mullioned window; it was also applied to a rosace and a medallion.