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

Vuyders or Guiders. Straps to draw together the parts of armour.

W.

This initial interchanges frequently with gu:—as ward, guard; wicket, guichet, &c.

Wafters, O. E. Blunted swords for exercise.

Wain, O. E. A wagon.

Wainscot, Arch, (from the German Wand-Schotten, wall-covering), wooden panelling used to line the inner walls.

Waist. The central part of the upper deck of a ship, between the fore and main masts.

Wait. An old English wind instrument resembling the Shawm (q.v.). It was used by the watchmen or waights, to proclaim the time of night.

Waka-tana. The war canoe of New Zealand; some of these are fifty feet long, by four feet beam, with a high stern-post. This and the carved prow are both richly decorated with a profusion of feathers. (Simmonds.)

Wakes (A.S. wæcan). Originally vigils or eves of Saints’ days. The late-wake of the Highlanders; the lyke-wake of the early English, and the wake of the Irish are the remains of the ancient northern custom of watching the body of a deceased friend before burial. (Consult Brand’s Popular Antiquities.)