Pala, R. A spade, or scoop in the form of a spade, and thence the bezil of a ring.
Palæstra (παλαίστρα). A place for wrestling, formerly part of the gymnasium. (See Gymnasium.)
Palanga. (See Phalangæ.) Hence:—
Palanquin. A covered conveyance for one person, carried on the shoulders of men in India and China. They are often very splendidly carved, and decorated with tapestry, ornamental woods, and inlaid-work.
Palaria, R. An exercise practised by young Roman recruits, which consisted of hurling javelins (pila) against a stake (palus) fixed in the ground. (See Pel.)
Palè, Gr. (πάλη). A Greek term having the same meaning as Lucta, Luctamen, Luctamentum (q.v.).
Pale, Her. One of the ordinaries. Palewise or In Pale, arranged vertically one above the other, as the lions of England. (See Per.)
Paleste, Gr. (παλαιστὴ, i. e. palm of the hand). A lineal measure used by the Greeks equal to the quarter of a foot, or a little more than three inches. (See Palmus.)
Palette. “Setting the palette” is arranging the colours for use. This is always done in a certain order regulated by the key in which the picture is to be painted. The order generally recommended is to begin with white, and then proceed through the yellows, reds, and blues to black. The Egyptians used palettes of a long rectangular form; one side higher than the other, had two or three saucers sunk in it to hold cakes of colour or ink; the other side was notched to receive the calami or cut reeds used as writing-pens.
Palettes or Roundels, in Armour, are round plates or shields hung on the armour to defend the joints of the arm, necessarily left free for action.