Soffit, Arch. The flat surface on the lower side of an arch or cornice.
Solarium, R. (sol, the sun). (1) A sun-dial; (2) a water-clock or clepsydra (solarium ex aquâ); (3) a terrace constructed on the top of a house or portico.
Soldurii, Gaul. A body of Gallic warriors forming a Clan under one chief.
Solea, R. and Chr. (solum, sole of the foot). A sandal of the simplest kind, consisting of a sole fastened on with straps over the instep. Solea ferrea, a horse-shoe, or soccus of iron; solea sparta, a sock of Spanish broom for the feet of beasts of burden or of cattle; solea lignea, wooden clogs fastened to the feet of criminals. Lastly the term denoted a machine for crushing olives, the nature and shape of which are entirely unknown. In Christian archæology, the term solea was used to denote, in the early basilicas, a space in front of the choir.
Soler (Lat. solarium; A.S. up-flor). The upper floor of a house, approached by a staeger (Ang. stair) outside.
Soles of the Feet, Egyp. and Chr. On a great number of Christian tombs there occur representations of the soles of the feet. This symbol has been variously explained. In our opinion, one which has never been broached before, it denoted that the dead were in the power of God; for among the Egyptians, whenever a god or powerful king was spoken of, it was said of him that he put his enemies under the sole of his foot. Ezekiel uses the same terms in speaking of Jehovah. Whenever an Egyptian went on a pilgrimage to a distant place, he never left the country without engraving on some stone the impression of his feet, to which he added his name and titles. (Bosc.)
Soliferreum or Solliferreum, R. A javelin made entirely of massive iron.
Solium, R. This term denotes (1) a chair or arm-chair with a high back; (2) a bier of wood or terra-cotta for a dead body; (3) the granite or marble seat in an ancient bath.
Solstice. The time when the sun appears to stand still, at one of the solstitial points, i. e. at his greatest distance from the equator; the summer solstice is the longest day, June 22nd; the winter solstice December 22nd, in the North Hemisphere; reversed in the South.
Sonata, Ital. A piece of music with various movements, composed for a single instrument with or without accompaniment. Sonate di camera, sonatas adapted for chamber music; sonate de chiesa, for churches.