Stalactite (Gr. στάλαγμα, an icicle). Spar, in the form of icicles hanging from the roof of a cavern. Stalagmites are heaped up from their droppings on the floor, forming when they unite with the Stalactites the so called Organ pipes.
Stalagmium, Gr. and R. (σταλάγμιον). An ear-ring decorated with pearls, or small gold or silver drops, which bore more or less resemblance to the shape of a drop of water (στάλαγμα), whence its name.
Stall-plate, Her. The plate bearing the arms of a knight, and placed in his stall in the chapel of his order.
Stalls, Chr. Seats in a chapel; made to be used in two ways: either with the flap of the seat let down called “sellette,” which formed the regular seat, or with the flap raised, affording only a small resting-place called miserere. The elbows are often called “museaux” from their being in many cases ornamented with the head of some animal. (See Miserere.)
Stamen, R. The spun thread as it comes off the spindle.
Stamnos, Gr. and R. A vessel in the shape of a Panathenæan water-jar or amphora, but with a wider neck, and with two ears and no handle.
Stanchion, Arch. The upright iron bar between the mullions of a window.
Standard or Banner, Chr. The symbol of victory over sin, death, and idolatry. (See Ensigns, Labarum, Signa, &c.) In heraldry, a long narrow flag introduced in the 14th century. The Royal Standard bears the blazonry of the Queen’s arms. The Union Jack was produced in the reign of James I., in 1606, as the national flag of united England and Scotland, combining the banners of St. George and St. Andrew. The latest Union Jack shows, over the saltire of St. Andrew, the gules of St. Patrick, and was introduced upon the occasion of the union with Ireland. The word “Jack” is a corruption of the French “Jacques,” for James.
Standing Stones. Celtic monuments, also called megalithic, consisting of a row of stones standing in a line. (See Dolmen, Menhir, Megalithic, &c.)
Standish, O. E. A case for pens and ink; an inkstand.