Balistrariæ, Med. Lat., Arch. Cruciform openings in the wall of a fortress to shoot quarrels through from cross-bows.
Balletys or Tuptai, Gr. A ceremony consisting in a mock combat with stones, which took place at the Eleusinian festival.
Fig. 55. Ball-flower.
Ball-flower. An ornament characteristic of the Decorated style of the 14th century. It represents the “knop” of a flower. Ball-flowers may be seen in the Cathedrals of Bristol, Gloucester, and Hereford.
Ballista or Balista, Gr. and R. (βάλλω, to throw). A military engine for hurling large missiles. It was constructed of wood, and consisted of two uprights connected horizontally by a double cross-beam. Strands of twisted fibre formed the motive power of the engine, which was fitted with an iron groove. The cord was drawn back by men, with the aid of a drum or pulleys. The ancient balista was used to shoot stones; the catapult to project heavy darts. Some balistæ threw stones weighing three cwt. The mediæval balistæ threw quarrels or stones.
Ballistarium or Balistarium, Gr. and R. A shed or magazine in which ballistæ were kept.
Ballium, Med. Lat. (1) (from Ital. battaglia). The Bailey or courtyard of a castle. (2) The bulwark which contained such a Bailey.
Balneæ or Balineæ. (See Balneum.)
Balnearia, R. A general term for all the utensils used in a bath, such as strigils, unguentaria, guttæ, oils, perfumes, essences, &c.