An Illustrated Dictionary of Words used in Art and Archaeology / Explaining terms frequently used in works on architecture, arms, bronzes, Christian art, colour, costume, decoration, devices, emblems, heraldry, lace, personal ornaments, pottery, painting, sculpture, &c., with their derivations.

by John W. Mollett

Fig. 561. Roman maiden wearing the toga prætexta.

Prætexta, R. A Toga with a broad purple border. It was introduced by the Etruscans, and was the costume assigned to priests and magistrates, to boys before they came of age, and to women before their marriage. (See Toga.) (Fig. [561].)

Prætorium, R. The tent of the commander-in-chief of the army; it was so called because in the earliest times of Rome the consul who commanded the army bore the title of prætor. The residence of a governor of a province was also called prætorium, and finally the name was given to any large house or palace.

Prandium, R. (prandeo, to breakfast). The midday meal, which came between breakfast (jentaculum) and dinner (cœna).

Prastura. (See Upapitha.)

Préa-koul, Hind. An upright stone or sacred boundary among the Khmers.

Préasat, Hind. The tower of the Khmers; préasat-stupaï means little tower; préasat-phradamrey, the elephant tower of the king.

Precarium, Chr. A temporary benefice granted to a layman by the Church; the holder of the benefice was, however, bound to pay the Church certain dues.

Predella, It. A ledge behind the altar of a church on which the altar-piece was placed, containing small pictures, of similar subjects to the altar-piece.