Fig. 88. Biretta. (Portrait of a Rector of Padua.)
Biretta, It. A cap. In its restricted meaning the term is applied to that worn by priests and academical persons. The illustration shows the state costume of the Rector of the University of Padua, who wears a sacerdotal biretta.
Birotus and Birota, R. (rota, a wheel). Anything having two wheels, and so a two-wheeled carriage, car, or chariot.
Birrus and Byrrus, R. A russet-coloured capote with a hood. It was made of a coarse cloth (bure) with a long nap. Such was, at first, the meaning of the term, but in course of time birri of a fine quality were made.
Bisaccium (It. bisacce). Saddle-bags of coarse sacking.
Biscuit, Fr. A kind of porcelain, unglazed. The finest is the so called Parian porcelain.
Bisellium, R. (sella, a seat). A seat of honour or state chair, reserved for persons of note, or who had done service to the state. There was room on the seat for two persons.
Bishop’s Length. Technical name for a portrait-canvas of 58 inches by 94 inches.
Bismuth. The pigment, called pearl white, which is the sub-nitrate of this metal, is very susceptible to the action of sulphurous vapours, which turn it black.
Bisomus, Chr. A sarcophagus with two compartments; that is, capable of holding two dead bodies. (See Sarcophagus.)