Parquet. French flooring of inlaid wood-work.
Parsley, Arch. In every period, but especially in Romano-Byzantine and Gothic art, parsley-leaves have been abundantly made use of in architectural decoration.
Parthenon. The famous temple of Minerva in the Acropolis at Athens. The finest example of the Grecian Doric style of architecture; built by Pheidias, 454–438 B.C. Fergusson says, “For beauty of detail, and for the exquisite perception of the highest and most recondite principles of art ever applied to architecture, it stands utterly and entirely alone and unrivalled—the glory of Greece.” (Hist. of Architecture.) The celebrated frieze, 525 feet in length, ran all round the outer wall of the cella close up to the ceiling. The best work on the Parthenon sculptures is by Michaelis (Der Parthenon, Leipzig, 1871). (See Elgin Marbles.)
Partisan, O. E. A kind of short pike, introduced temp. Edward III.
Partlet, O. E. A ruff. “A maydens neckerchefe or lynnen partlette.”
Party, Parted, Her. Divided. (See Per.)
Parvise. (See Paradise.)
Paschal Taper, Chr. A large wax candle which was consecrated during the service on Easter Eve, and lighted on Sundays from Easter to Whitsuntide, with five grains of incense attached to it to indicate the five movable feasts of the year.
Pasquinade, It. A lampoon; so called from Pasquino, an Italian barber at Rome, whose door was opposite to the statue of a gladiator on which such satirical writings were posted.
Passamen, O. E. A kind of lace. (Hall.)