Aulæa or Aulæum, R. (aula, a hall). (1) Hangings or tapestry used to decorate the dining-room or triclinium, or generally, any piece of tapestry used as a curtain, whether to cover a doorway, act as a screen, or hide the stage in a theatre. (2) The covering of a sofa or dining-couch, also called, from the way in which it hung all round it, peristroma (περίστρωμα). Aulæa is almost synonymous with Velum (q.v.).
Fig. 52. Aulmonière.
Aulmonière. The Norman name for the pouch, bag, or purse appended to the girdle of noble persons, and derived from the same root as “alms” and “almoner.” It was more or less ornamented and hung from long laces of silk or gold; it was sometimes called Alner. (Fig. [52].) (See Allouyère.)
I will give thee an alner
Made of silk and gold clear.
(Lay of Sir Launfal.)
Aulos, Gr. The Greeks gave this name to all wind instruments of the flute, or oboe, kind; it was not blown at the side like a flute, but by a vibrating reed in the mouthpiece, like a clarionet. The single flute was called monaulos, and the double one diaulos.
Aumbrie, Aumery, Almery, O. E. A cupboard or closet.
Aumery of Here, O. E. A cupboard with hair-cloth sides for ventilation. A meat-safe.