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. 601. Argent a saltire gules.

Saltire or Saltier, Her. An ordinary in the form of St. Andrew’s Cross. The illustration (Fig. [601]) is “argent a SALTIRE gules.”

Salutatorium. (See Receptorium.)

Salute at Sea. The English claim the right, formerly claimed by the Venetians, of being saluted first in all places, as sovereigns of the seas. The naval salute to the British flag began in the reign of King Alfred.

Sambuca, R. (σαμβύκη). (1) A stringed musical instrument, which varied in form, but resembled a harp. (2) Military. A scaling-ladder.

Sam-cloth, O. E. (needlework). A sampler. “A sam-cloth, vulgarly a sampler.”

Samit, for Exsamit (ἑξ, six; μίτοι, threads). A splendid tissue, having six threads of silk in the warp, and the weft of flat gold shreds.

Sammaron-cloth, O. E. A woven mixture of linen and hemp.

Samnites. Gladiators armed like the Samnite soldiers, with a close helmet, shield, and greaves.