Home1810 Edition

ACROSTOLUM

Volume 8 · 67 words · 1810 Edition

in Ancient Naval Architecture, the extreme part of the ornament used on the prows of ships, which was sometimes in the shape of a buckler, helmet, animal, &c., but more frequently circular, or spiral. It was usual to tear them from the prows of vanquished vessels, and fix them to the conquerors, as a signal of victory. They were frequently represented on the reverse of ancient medals.