Fig. 72. Basilisk.
Basilisk. A fabulous animal, having the body of a cock, beak and claws of brass, and a triple serpent tail. The emblem of the Spirit of Evil. In heraldry, a cockatrice having its tail ending in a dragon’s head.
Basilium, Gr. (βασίλειον). A royal diadem, of a very tall form, of Egyptian origin. Isis-Fortuna is often represented wearing the basilium on her head.
Basinet. (See Bascinet.)
Basons for ecclesiastical ceremonies, for collecting alms or for holding the sacramental vessels, were a favourite subject for the goldsmith’s art. Some beautifully enamelled basons of the 13th century represent subjects of hawking and hunting, &c.
Bas-relief, Basso-relievo, sculptured figures projecting less than half of their true proportions; Mezzo-relievo projecting exactly half; Alto-relievo more than half, from the ground upon which they are carved.
Bassara or Bassaris, Gr. (a fox, or fox-skin). A long tunic of Lydian origin worn by the Mænads of Lydia and Thrace, who were often called, from this circumstance, Bassaræ and Bassarides.
Basterna, R. A closed litter appropriated especially to the use of ladies, as the Anthologia Latina says: “The gilded basterna conceals the chaste matrons.” It was carried by two mules harnessed in shafts, one in front and one behind; the Lectica (q.v.), on the contrary, was carried by men. During the Middle Ages the same form of litter was a common means of conveyance in England.
