Tigrinæ. Tiger-tables. Great importance was attached in Roman decorative art to the grain of the wood. Tables having “veins arranged in wavy lines,” were called Tigrinæ, from the resemblance of their pattern to that of a tiger’s skin. Those having “veins which formed spirals, or little whirlpools,” were called pantherinæ, or panther-tables.
Tiles for roofs are of two kinds:—plain tiles and pan tiles; they are mentioned in an ancient statute of King Edward IV. (1477), regulating the
“Fesure, whitying, et anelyng de tewle, appelez pleintile, autrement nosmez thaktile, roftile, ou crestile, cornertile et guttertile fait et affaire deinz cest Roialme.”
Glazed or encaustic tiles were anciently much used for paving sacred edifices. English designs are generally heraldic in character. In Spanish architecture tiles were used for the decoration of walls instead of hangings; and richly decorated pavements are found in Asia Minor and the East Indies. (Consult Parker’s Glossary, J. G. Nichols, Examples of Tiles, &c.)
Tilt, O. E. The word is properly applied to the exercises in training for the joust, against the Quintain, the Pel, the ring, and other objects.
Timbre, Her. (1) Anciently, the crest; (2) Modern French, the helm, in a coat of arms.
Timbrel. An ancient tambourine, with a double row of gingles.
Tin-glazed Wares. (See Pottery.)
Tina, R. A large vessel used for holding wine; its shape is unknown.
Tinctures, Her. The two metals and the five colours of heraldry.