Swathbondes, O. E. Swaddling clothes (mentioned by Shakspeare).
Swine’s Feather, O. E. A kind of bayonet about six inches long, affixed to a musket-rest and projected by the action of a spring; 17th century.
Sword. (See Gladius.)
Sword, in Christian art, is a symbol of martyrdom; it is also the attribute of martyrs who were soldiers. In Heraldry, when borne as a charge, it is straight in the blade, pointed, and with a cross-guard. The custom of swearing on the sword, the hilt of which took the shape of a cross, or had crosses engraved on it, is mentioned in very ancient history. (Cf. Hamlet.)
Sympathetic Inks. Inks of which the marks are invisible until the moisture is absorbed by the application of heat. (See Cobalt.)
Symposium, Gr. A drinking party, distinguished from deipnon, a feast. A very common subject of representations on ancient vases.
Syndon or Sindon. A better kind of cendal (q.v.)
Synoikia, Gr. (1) Athenian festivals held in honour of Athena in the month Hecatombeion (July-August). Their object was to commemorate the union of the government of all the towns of Attica in Athens. (2) A lodging-house adapted to hold several families (Latin, insula), for the convenience of foreigners and others who by Athenian law were prohibited from acquiring house property of their own.
Synthesis or Synthesina, Gr. and R. (σύν-θεσις). One of the vestes cœnatoriæ which the master of the house, the Amphitryon, provided for his guests. The parable of the “Wedding Garment” has reference to this practice. It was a kind of tunic worn over the other garments, and during the Saturnalia by all classes alike. It was usually dyed some colour, and was not white like the toga.
Sypirs, O. E. Cloth of Cyprus.