Fig. 621. Spiculum.
Spiculum, R. (dimin. of spicum, a point). The barbed iron head of an arrow or lance. The custom of barbing weapons dates from a very early period, since it is met with in prehistoric times. Fig. [621] shows a barbed bone arrow.
Spider-work (opus araneum). A kind of embroidery; specimens of the 13th and 14th centuries are in South Kensington Museum.
Spike. Oil of spike used in wax painting is prepared from the wild lavender.
Spina, R. (lit. a spine). A long, low wall along the middle of a circus, marking off the course in a race. At each end were the goals, (metæ). (See Circus, Meta.)
Fig. 622. Spinet. 18th century.
Spinet (Ital. spinetta). An old-fashioned musical instrument on the principle of the harpsichord and pianoforte. Brass and steel wires were struck by quills fixed to the tongues of jacks which were moved by the keys of a finger-board. (Fig. [622].)
Spinther, R. (σφιγκτήρ). A bracelet; it was worn upon the left arm, and retained in its place merely by the elasticity of the material. The term is really a corruption of sphincter, the muscle which remains naturally contracted. (See Armilla.)