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

Worsted (properly Worstead, spelt also “worsett” and “woryst”) was the name given to the cloth woven of the hard thread produced by the peculiar carding process that was invented at Worstead in Norfolk; 14th century.

Wou or Wouwou, Egyp. The Egyptian name for the dog; it is evidently an onomatopœia, like the name for a cat, which is written Maaou. (See Canis.)

Wreath. Wreaths have at all times been prominent among symbolical personal ornaments; always with an honourable or pleasant signification; wreaths of ivy distinguished the votaries of Bacchus; appropriate wreaths were invented for sacrifices at the altar for heroic or priestly or literary distinction. (See Orle, Crest, Wreath, &c.)

Wrest, O. E. An instrument for drawing up the strings of a harp. (Shakespeare.)

Wyn, O. E. A narrow flag.

Fig. 700. Wyvern.

Wyvern, Wivern, Her. A fabulous creature, a species of dragon with two legs, and represented having its tail nowed. (Fig. [700].)

X.

(The syllable ξυν- in Greek is generally rendered Syn, q.v.)