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

Valendar Clay. A kind of potter’s clay from Nassau. (Simmonds.)

Valet, O. E. (Med. Lat. valeti). Sons of the nobility and of knights bore this title, until they acquired the military belt. (Meyrick.)

Valle Cypre. A silk mourning crape, called also Bologna crape.

Vallum, Gr. and R. (vallus, a stake). A palisade made with strong branches of trees, which was placed on the top of the embankment (agger) surrounding a camp.

Valvæ, R. (Gr. σανίς). Folding doors or shutters; synonym of Fores.

Fig. 680. Vambrace.

Vambrace (Fr. avant bras). The ancient BRACHIALE, the covering of the lower arm, from the elbow to the wrist. Originally it covered only the outside of the arm, but afterwards was made like a sleeve of iron. (Cf. Rerebrace.)

Vamp. Upper leathers for shoes. In Russia and the East they are richly embroidered.

Vampire. A monster of mediæval iconography. A well-known example is the one which decorates the angle of one of the towers in Paris Cathedral.