Periptery, Arch, (περί-πτερος, lit. with wings around). A building surrounded by columns at equal distances one from the other; the distance between the wall of enclosure and the colonnade being equal to that between the columns. Peripteral temples are distinguished as monopteral, or those with a single row of columns; dipteral, those with two rows; pseudo-dipteral, or buildings with one row of columns standing apart and one embedded; lastly, pseudo-peripteral (Fig. [535]), or buildings whose columns are embedded in the wall.
Periscelis, Gr. (περι-σκελίς). (1) An anklet worn by Oriental and Greek women, and less frequently by Roman ladies also. (2) The word is sometimes used for feminalia (q.v.).
Peristerium, Chr. A kind of canopy surrounding the sacred vessels containing the host. The eucharistic doves are called peristera.
Peristroma, R. (περί-στρωμα). In general, anything used as a covering, in especial that which is spread over a bed, and thence curtains, carpets, or hangings.
Peristyle, Arch. (περί-στυλον). A building the interior of which is surrounded with columns, the opposite of Peripteros; a building may, however, be peripteral and yet possess a peristyle. The term is also a Greek name for the Atrium.
Perivalium, Med. A Latin word used in the Middle Ages to denote the choir of a church, or the stalls of the choir.
Permanent White. (See Constant White.)
Pero, R. A tall boot reaching to the calf, made of untanned leather with the fur on, worn by shepherds and agricultural labourers, and still common in Italian villages.
Perogue. (See Pirogue.)
Perpend-stone, Arch. A large stone reaching through the wall, visible on both sides.