Paralus (πάραλος). The name of an Athenian state vessel, kept, like that of the Doge of Venice in modern times, for state and religious ceremonies. A sister vessel was named the Salaminia; they were both fast-sailing triremes.
Paramese, Gr. (next to middle), or Trite (third). The third treble note, immediately above the mese, of the seven-stringed lyre. (See Mese.)
Paranete, Gr. (beside the shortest). The second treble note of the seven-stringed lyre. (See Mese.)
Parapet, It. (parare petto, to defend the breast). A wall breast-high on a fortification, roof, or other gallery. (See Crenels.)
Paraphernalia (from the Greek παράφερνα). That which a wife brings besides her dower; i. e. her personal attire and ornament.
Parasang. A Persian measure of distance, about 30 Greek stadia or 3¾ English miles.
Paratorium. (See Oblationarium.)
Parazonium, R. (παραζώνιον). A short sword or kind of dagger worn by the tribunes and superior officers of the Roman army attached to their belt on the right side. This sword was shorter than the gladius worn by the common soldier on the right side.
Parchment. The finer kind of parchment known as vellum is from the skins of calves, kids, and dead-born lambs. The stout parchment of drum-heads is from the skin of the wolf, although that of the ass or calf is sometimes used. The parchment of battledores is from the skin of the ass, and that used for sieves from the skin of the he-goat. The green parchment used in bookbinding is coloured by means of Verdigris. (See Liber.) The name comes from the Latin Pergamentum. Eumenes, King of Pergamus, has the honour of the invention.
Parentales, Parentalia, R. Festivals, also called Februales, which were held by the Romans in honour of deceased ancestors.