Vire, Fr. A barbed arrow, used with the early cross-bow.
Vireton, It. A peculiar form of arrow, the feathers in which are spirally arranged to produce a spinning movement in its flight.
Virga, R. A general term for any kind of rod or wand; as, for instance, a riding-whip; a switch for chastising children or slaves; a very slight stick carried by a lictor to aid him in opening a way through the crowd for the magistrate before whom he walked.
Virgatus, R. Striped; a term applied to cloth or drapery ornamented with bands (virgæ), or to anything plaited with twigs of osier, such as a basket.
Fig. 690. Virginal. 16th century.
Virginal. A musical instrument which originated in the middle ages. A specimen of the time of Elizabeth, in the form of a miniature pianoforte, is in the South Kensington Museum. (Fig. [690].) It was followed by the Spinet (q.v.).
Virgins are usually represented soberly robed with long hair streaming down their backs. The parable of the wise and foolish virgins is a very common subject of mediæval sculpture and church decoration.
Viria, R. A very ancient term replaced by Armilla (q v.).
Viridarium, R. An ornamental garden. (See Hortus.)