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

Bragamas, O. E. (See Braquemard.) “Un grant coustel, que l’en dit bragamas;” 14th cent.

Braggers, O. E. An obsolete term for timber Brackets.

Brake, O. E. A quern or hand-mill.

Brand, A.S. A torch; hence, from its shining appearance, a sword. (Meyrick.)

Brandrate, O. E. An iron tripod fixed over the fire, on which to set a pot or kettle.

Braquemard, O. E. A kind of sabre—“un grant coustel d’Alemaigne, nommé braquemart;” 14th century.

Brass, Gen. An alloy made by mixing copper with tin, or else with zinc or silver. Another name for it is Bronze (q.v.). Corinthian brass is very celebrated, but little is known of its composition even at the present day. Mosaic gold, pinchbeck, prince’s metal, &c., are varieties of brass differing in the proportions of the ingredients. Brass beaten into very thin leaves is called Dutch Metal.

Fig. 101. Brassart.

Brassart. Plate armour for the arm. (Fig. [101].)