Velatus, R. (velo, to cover). Veiled or wearing flowing garments; having the forehead encircled with a garland. Milites velati were supernumerary soldiers who filled the places of those who were killed or disabled.
Velites, R. A body of light-armed infantry not forming part of the legion, who skirmished in small companies.
Vellum. Fine parchment from the skins of calves; any parchment binding is by librarians technically described as vellum. It is a beautiful substitute for paper, for luxurious printing of books for presentation, &c., and was much used by mediæval artists for painting and illuminating.
Velours (Fr. Velvet). A kind of velvet or plush for furniture, carpets, &c., manufactured in Prussia, partly of linen, and partly of double cotton warps with mohair yarn weft. (Simmonds’ Commercial Dict.)
Velours d’Utrecht. A woollen velvet, for tapestry, &c., made in the Netherlands.
Veloute, Fr. Velvet lace.
Velum, R. (1) A general term for any kind of sail, esp. the square mainsail of a ship in contradistinction to the other sails. (2) The curtain or drop-scene of a theatre. (3) The curtain or hanging put up as a covering in front of a door. (4) A synonym for Velarium.
Velure (Fr. velours). Velvet. (Shakespeare.)
Velvet (Ital. velluto; hairy or shaggy, like an animal’s skin) was introduced into England in the 13th century. Velvet upon velvet is that where the pattern shows itself in a double pile, one pile higher than the other. “Purshed” velvet was velvet raised in a network pattern.
Velvet Painting. The art of painting on fine velvet.