in Ancient Geography, a city of Etruria, the long and powerful rival of Rome; distant about 100 stadia, or 12 miles, to the north-west; situated on a high and steep rock. Taken after a siege of 10 years by Camillus, six years before the taking of Rome by the Gauls: and thither the Romans, after the burning of their city, had thoughts of removing; but were dissuaded from it by Camillus (Livy). It remained standing after the Punic war; and a colony was there settled, and its territory assigned to the soldiers. But after that it declined so gradually, as not to leave a single trace standing. Famous for the slaughter of the 300 Fabii on the Cremera (Ovid). The spot on which it stood lies near Isola, in St Peter's patrimony (Holstenius).

VELI, a piece of stuff, serving to cover or hide anything.

In the Romish churches, in time of Lent, they have veils or curtains over the altar, crucifix, images of saints, &c.

A veil of crape is worn on the head by nuns, as a badge of their profession: the novices wear white veils, but those who have made the vows black ones. See the article Nun.