| Domain | Definition | ||
| Antiquities | Fimbriae (thusanoi; in grammarians also krossoi). Tassels; a fringe. When the weaver had finished any garment on the loom (see Tela), the thrums, i.e. the extremities of the threads of the warp, hung in a row at the bottom. In this state they were frequently left, being considered ornamental. Often also, to prevent them from raveling, and to give a still more artificial and ornamental appearance, they were separated into bundles, each of which was twisted, and tied in one or more knots. The thrums were thus, by a very simple process, transformed into a row of tassels. The linen shirts found in Egyptian tombs sometimes show this ornament along their lower edge, and illustrate, in a very interesting manner, the description of these garments by Herodotus (ii. 81). Among the Greeks and Romans fringes were seldom worn except by women (Pollux, vii. 64). We find, however, a long-sleeved tunic with fimbriae at the wrists, worn by Iulius Caesar (Iul. 45; cf. Clavus Latus). Among barbarous nations the upper garment was often worn with a fringe by men. (references) | ||
Source: compiled by the editor from various references; see credits. | Top | ||
