An Illustrated Dictionary of Words used in Art and Archaeology / Explaining terms frequently used in works on architecture, arms, bronzes, Christian art, colour, costume, decoration, devices, emblems, heraldry, lace, personal ornaments, pottery, painting, sculpture, &c., with their derivations.

by John W. Mollett

Surinda, Hind. A stringed instrument played with a bow.

Surod, Hind. A kind of guitar, sounded with a plectrum.

Surplice, Chr. The Protestant alb. See Stevens, in a note to All’s Well that Ends Well, Act i., scene 3, for notices of the Puritan aversion to this article of clerical costume.

Fig. 641. Suspensura, showing the pillars supporting the floor of a bath-room.

Suspensura, R. In a general sense this term denotes anything that is supported, suspended above arcades, columns, or pillars, and more especially the flooring of a bath-room, when it is supported by small low pillars. Fig. [391] shows the flooring of a bath-room, and Fig. [641] the pillars supporting the suspensura. (See Hypocaust.)

Svastika, Hind. A kind of Greek cross, each branch of which ends in a hook. This cross has a sacred character, and is met with on a great variety of objects. Its origin dates back to the bronze age, and it is represented on the weapons of that period. (See Fylfot.)

Swallow. In Christian symbolism, the emblem of pride and of conversion.

Swallow-tail. (See Dove-tail.)

Swan, Her. When blazoned “proper”—white with red beak and legs—it is the badge of the Bohuns, Staffords, and some other families.