Fig. 612. Shrine of the Three Kings in Cologne Cathedral. 13th century.
Shrine. A repository for relics; either fixed, as a tomb; or movable, as a feretory. (See Fig. [307].) The Shrine of the Three Kings in Cologne Cathedral is one of the most celebrated and costly in the world. (Fig. [612].)
Sibina, Sibyna, Gr. and R. (σιβύνη). A kind of boar-spear employed in hunting.
Sibylline (Books), R. The Sibylline books were a series of oracles of the destiny of the Roman Empire; they were three in number, and were placed by Tarquin in a vault of the temple of Jupiter Capitolinus, and were consulted in cases of difficulty by an order of the senate. They perished in 670 A.U.C., when the Capitol was burnt. A set of Sibylline oracles in existence, which predict very clearly the establishment of the Christian religion, have been ascertained to be a forgery of the 2nd century of the Christian era.
Sibyls, Gr. and R. (Σίβυλλα). Prophetesses of antiquity recognized by the ancient Christian Church, and a common object of symbolical ecclesiastical sculpture, with reference to their foreknowledge of the fulfilment of inspired prophecy; they are twelve in number, having each a proper emblem. (Cf. Smith and Cheetham.)
Sica, R. (dimin. sicilla). A curved dagger or scimitar; distinct from Pugio, a straight dagger. It was the weapon preferred by thieves and assassins on account of the convenience of its shape for concealment. (From this word our English sickle is derived.)
Siccative. A synonym for Drying (q.v.).
Sicilis, R. A sickle.
Sienite. A statuary marble from Syene (Assouan) on the Nile.