Vitis, Vine, R. and Chr. A vine or vine-branch with which a centurion punished any soldier who had neglected his duty. In Christian symbolism, the vine-stock with clusters of grapes is an emblem of the Church. Representations of it are frequently met with on monuments of Christian art.
Vitreous Wares. Wares having a glassy surface. (See Pottery.)
Vitro di Trino (Ital.). An ornamental glass-work invented by the Venetians in the 15th century, consisting of a sort of lace-work of white enamel or transparent glass, forming a series of diamond-shaped sections; in the centre of each an air-bubble was allowed to remain as a decoration. (Fairholt.)
Vitrum, R. Glass (q.v.).
Vitruvian Scroll, Arch. A name given to a peculiar pattern of scroll-work, consisting of convolved undulations, used in classical architecture. (Parker.)
Fig. 693. Vitta.
Vitta, R. A ribbon or band worn round the head by Roman women of free birth to confine their hair. Vitta sacra was a long ribbon confining the flocks of wool which formed an infula, and worn by the priests or the victim destined for sacrifice. The term was further applied to the ribbon which passed round garlands or festoons of leaves and fruits, and thence to any ribbon employed in the decoration of an architectural motive, such as tori for instance, as shown in Fig. [693].
Vittatus, R. Adorned with the vitta; a term applied to women, victims, and certain architectural ornaments.
Vivarium, R. (vivum, a living thing). A general term for any kind of place in which live animals are kept; such as aviaries, warrens, fish-ponds, game preserves, &c.