Averta, R. A trunk, bag, or portmanteau, carried on the crupper by travellers who rode on horseback.
Aviarium, R. (avis, a bird). (1) A poultry-yard. (2) An aviary in which birds—and more particularly those of rare breeds—were kept.
Axis, R. (1) The axle-tree of a carriage. (2) Axis versatilis was a cylinder worked by a crank, and used for drawing water from a well by means of a cord which rolled round it as it revolved. (3) The upright pivot upon which a door turned. It worked in two sockets, placed respectively in the upper and lower lintels.
Azarcon. The Spanish name for red lead.
Azure. A blue colour known from the very earliest times. Azure stone was the name given to the lapis lazuli. The name is given also to Cobalt. In heraldry it is the name for the blues in the arms of persons whose rank is below that of a baron; it is represented in heraldic engraving by regular horizontal lines.
Azyme, Chr. Unleavened bread.
B.
Baccalarii, Med. Lat. A contraction of bas-chevaliers: poor knights; distinct from knights bannerets, who were also termed rich knights.
Baccelleria, Med. Lat. The order of bachelors. Thus we read,
“La flor de France et la bachelerie.”