Rock-crystal. A material much used for carving in China. Fortune says, “Fine specimens of rock-crystal, carved into figures, cups, and vases, are met with in the curiosity shops of Foo-chow-foo. Some of these specimens are white, others golden yellow, and others again blue and black. One kind looks as if human hair was thrown in and crystallized. Imitations of this stone are common in Canton, made into snuff-bottles, such as are commonly used by the Chinese.” The Greek name (κρύσταλλος, ice) refers to the belief that it was frozen water; the Indians believe it to be the husk of which the diamond is the kernel, and call it the unripe diamond; in Japan it is cut into round balls used for cooling the hands; in China also it is extensively carved; in the Middle Ages it was highly valued throughout Europe as a detector of poison. Still more recently crystal balls have been supposed to have magical influence, and used for divination and conjuring.
Rockets, O. E. Slabs of wood used on lances, during exercise, for the same purpose as the buttons of foils.
Rococo, It. The style of decoration into which that of the Louis Quinze period culminated, distinguished for a superfluity of confused and discordant detail. (See Louis XV.)
Rod. In measurement, 16½ feet linear, or 272½ square feet.
Rodomel, O. E. The juice of roses, mixed with honey.
Rogus, R. A funeral pile when in process of burning, in contradistinction to Pyra (q.v.).
Rokelay, O. E. A short cloak.
Roll-moulding (Arch.), profusely used in the Early English and Decorated styles, is a round moulding, divided longitudinally along the middle, the upper half of which projects over the lower. Roll and fillet moulding is a roll-moulding with a square fillet on the face of it.
Rolls of Arms. Heraldic records of ancient armorial insignia, preserved on strips of parchment. The earliest known are of the 13th century. (Consult Boutell.)
Romal, Hind. A silk fabric, of which cotton imitations are made in England.