Semitarge, Med. Fr. A scimitar. (See Targe.)
Semitone. In Music; the smallest interval in modern music; the ancients had quarter-tones (q.v.).
Semi-uncials. During the 6th and 7th centuries, a transition style of illuminating prevailed, the letters of which have been termed semi-uncials. This, in a further transition, became more like the old Roman cursive, which was called then minuscule; it began to prevail over uncials about the 8th century, and in the 10th its use was established. (See Uncial Letters.)
Semuncia. Half an ounce.
Senaculum, R. A place in which the senate used to meet. There were at Rome three senacula; one between the Capitol and the Forum, a second near the Porta Capena, and a third near the temple of Bellona.
Senio, R. The number six inscribed on the face of dice, and thence the throw when all the sixes turned up.
Sentina, R. The well or hold of a ship.
Sentinaculum, R. A ship’s pump.
Sepia. A warm, brown, water-colour pigment obtained from the ink-bag of the cuttlefish. (See Roman Sepia.)
Sept-foil, Chr. A figure of seven foils, typical of the seven sacraments of the Church, and other mysteries of religion linked to the number seven.