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

Sard or Carnelian. A brownish-red variety of chalcedony.

Sard-achates. A name given by the ancients to varieties of agate, which contained layers of Sard or carnelian.

Sardonic Laughter. A distortion of the features of the dying, the closing symptom of several fatal diseases; named from the poisonous herb Sardonia.

Sard-onyx. A precious stone composed of alternate layers of carnelian and chalcedony; extensively used for gem-engraving.

Sardel, Sardine, Sardius. A precious stone mentioned in Scripture in the description of Aaron’s breastplate.

Sarissa, Gr. (σάρισσα). The longest and heaviest spear of the Greeks peculiar to the Macedonian phalanx.

Sarrazinois Carpets. Embroidered stuffs resembling tapestry, made in the 10th and 11th centuries, doubtless imitated from work by the Saracens.

Sarsen-stones. Boulders of sandstone found on the Chalk downs in Wiltshire.

Sarsnet. (See Sarcenet.)

Sartago, R. A frying-pan; in the patois of Languedoc, sartan.