Fig. 63. Barbican.
Barbican, Mod. (1) A long narrow opening made in a wall, especially in a foundation wall, to let the water flow away. (2) The term also denotes an outwork placed in front of a fortified castle or any other military post. In the latter acceptation the term Antemural (q.v.) is also used. The illustration is taken from the arms of Antoine de Burgundy. In this instance the barbican is a small double tower, or out-post watch-house, and the shutter-like pent-house protection of the unglazed window openings bears a striking resemblance to a modern sun-blind.
Barbitos, Gr. and R. (βάρβιτος). A stringed instrument which dates from a very high antiquity; it was much larger than the Cithara (q.v.). To strike the long thick strings of the barbitos, a Plectrum (q.v.) was used instead of the fingers. The invention of this instrument is attributed to Terpander; Horace, on the contrary, says it was invented by Alcæus, and Athenæus by Anacreon. It was a kind of lyre with a large body.
Barbotine, Fr. A primitive method of decorating coarse pottery with clays laid on it in relief. (Jacquemart.)
Barca. A boat for pleasure, or for transport. It was also a long-boat. (See Bari.)
Barde, Barred, Her. In horizontal stripes.
Barded, Her. Having horse-trappings, or—
Bardings, which were often enriched with armorial blazonry.
Bardocucullus, R. and Gaul. (bardus and cucullus, i. e. monk’s hood). A garment with sleeves and hood worn by the poorer classes among the Gauls. It bore some resemblance to the Roman Pænula (q.v.).