Scutra, R. (from scutum, i. e. shield-shaped). Diminutive scutella. A square wooden tray for plates, dishes, and cups.
Scutum, R. and Egyp. The large oblong shield of the Roman infantry, in contradistinction to clipeus, a round shield. (See Shields.)
Scymetar. A sword of oriental origin, with a curved blade, very sharp.
Scyphus, Gr. and R. (σκύφος). A drinking-cup of wood or silver, of smaller capacity than the Bromias (q.v.). It was sacred to Hercules.
Seals. Ancient porcelain seals, to which the Chinese attribute an antiquity of from 1000 to 2000 years, are met with in collections; and precisely identical specimens have been found in the bogs of Ireland. They are of a peculiar white or cream-coloured porcelain, such as has not been made in China for several hundred years. It is believed that the Irish specimens must have lain buried there from a period anterior to history. (Fortune.) (See Sigillum, Rings.)
Seax. A Saxon sword.
Secco, It. Fresco-painting in secco is that kind which absorbs the colours into the plaster, and gives them a dry sunken appearance. (Fairholt.)
Second Distance. In a picture, the part of the middle distance next the foreground.
Secondary Colours. The three primary colours (containing nothing of any other colour)—blue, red, and yellow—when mixed in equal proportions produce three secondary colours:—blue and yellow produce green; blue and red, violet; and yellow and red, orange. Mixed in unequal proportions they produce what are called Tones (q.v.).
Secos, Egyp. (σηκός). The name for the Naos in an Egyptian temple.