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

Vervels, Varvals, Her. Small rings.

Vesara, Hind. A Hindoo temple built on a circular plan.

Fig. 684. Vesica Piscis.

Vesica Piscis (in Italian, mandorla, almond). The oblong glory surrounding the whole person of Our Lord, or the Virgin, or saints ascending into heaven. The seals of abbeys, colleges, and other religious establishments were all of this form. (See Fig. [684].) It is in form symbolical of the monogram ἴχθυς. (see Acrostic.)

Vespæ, Vespillones, R. The bearers of a bier in a funeral were so called by the common people, because they came to fetch the bodies in the evening (vespertino tempore).

Vespers, Chr. In the Roman Church, the afternoon service; in the English Church, Evening Prayer.

Vessets. A kind of cloth.

Vest, O. E. “A wide garment reaching to the knees, open before, and turned up with a facing or lining, the sleeves turned up at the elbows.” (Randle Holme, 1683.)

Vestalia, Gr. and R. Festivals in honour of Vesta. Asses were driven through Rome, carrying wreaths of flowers and rolls.