Online Encyclopedia

ORB

Online Encyclopedia
Originally appearing in Volume V20, Page 164 of the 1911 Encyclopedia Britannica.
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ORB  , a circle or

ring (
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Lat. orbis), hence a globe or disk or other spherical
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object . It is thus used, chiefly poetically, of any of the heavenly bodies, including the earth itself (Lat. orbis terrarum), or of the eye-ball or eye . The " orb," also known as the "
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mound " (Lat. mundus, "
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world "), consisting of a globe surmounted by a
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cross, forms
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part of many regalia, being a symbol of
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sovereignty (see REGALIA) . In architecture the meaning to be attached to the word " orb " is doubtful . It is usually now taken to mean properly a blank or blind window, and thence a blank panel . If so the word represents Lat. orbus, " bereft of," " orphaned," fenestra orba luminis . It is also identified with a circular
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boss concealing the intersection of arches in a vault .

End of Article: ORB
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