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

Rag. In Masonry, stone that breaks in jagged pieces.

Ragged Staff, Her. (See Ragulée.)

Ragman’s or Rageman’s Roll, O. E. (1) In History, a roll of the nobles of Scotland, who swore fealty to Edward I. at Berwick, in 1296; hence (2) a game of chance, in which a number of versified descriptions of character were drawn from a roll by the members of a company; 13th to 15th century. The game survives among children of the present age in the custom of drawing Twelfth-Night characters.

Ragstone. A rough kind of sandstone found in Kent.

Fig. 572. Ragulée.

Fig. 573. Bear and Ragged Staff.

Ragulée, Raguly, Her. Serrated. A “ragged staff,” or “staff ragulée,” is a part of a stem from which the branches have been cut off roughly. The illustration is the well-known device of the Earls of Warwick, originating with Arthgal, one of the Knights of the Round Table; because, says Leland, “this Arthgal took a bere in his arms, for that, in Britisch, soundeth a bere in Englisch.” (Fig. [573].)

Rahal, Arabic. A load for a camel; about 5 cwt.