A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, O, P, Q, R, S, T, U, V, W, X, Y, Z [Contents]

paddle
A short, broad bladed oar used without a rowlock.

CL transport
BT water craft equipment

---

padlock
A detachable lock with hinged loop used for attachment operated by a key.

CL tools and equipment
BT lock
NT barrel padlock

UF padlock bolt
UF padlock spring
UF padlock tube

---

padlock bolt

USE padlock

---

padlock key
A key for a padlock.

CL tools and equipment
BT key (locking)

---

padlock key blank
An object that is to become a padlock key. It has the correct shape but has yet to be cut to fit the lock.

CL manufacture and processing
BT key blank

---

padlock spring

USE padlock

---

padlock tube

USE padlock

---

pail

USE bucket

---

paint brush
A brush for applying paint.

CL tools and equipment
BT brush

CL written communications
BT writing and drawing equipment

---

painted glass (window)
Glass which has been coloured and decorated by painting.

CL architecture
BT window glass

---

palette (armour)
A piece of armour used to protect the armpit.

CL armour and weapons
BT armour <by form>

---

palette (artists)
A board or slab, often with a thumb hole in it, used by an artist to hold and mix colours on.

CL tools and equipment

---

palette (cosmetic)
A thin flat slab used to mix cosmetics on.

CL dress and personal accessories
BT cosmetic article

---

paling
A fence made of pales.

CL architecture
BT architectural fragment

---

pall
A religious cloth often used to cover coffins.

CL religion or ritual

---

palm cup
A round bottomed container to be held in the palm of the hand.

CL container
BT drinking vessel

CL food preparation and consumption
BT drinking vessel

---

palstave
A bronze axehead of middle or late Bronze Age date in which the side flanges and the bar/stop on both faces are connected, forming a single hafting aid. Some types feature a side loop to further assist hafting.

CL tools and equipment
BT axehead

---

pan
A broad container, usually used for cooking.

CL container
BT cooking vessel

CL food preparation and consumption
BT cooking vessel

---

pan pipe
An instrument composed of several pipes in which air is made to vibrate by blowing across the top edge.

CL music
BT edge blown wind instrument

UF syrinx

---

pancheon
A large shallow bowl for letting liquids stand.

CL container
BT food gathering and preparation container

CL food preparation and consumption
BT food preparation container

---

panel
An individual section of panelling. Can form fences, ceilings, an outer layer to a wall etc.

CL architecture
BT architectural element

---

pantile
Curved, interlocking roof tile of S-shaped section usually made of clay or concrete.

CL architecture
BT roof tile

---

paper
A thin vegetable based sheet used for writing, drawing, printing etc.

CL written communications
BT writing and drawing equipment

---

paper weight
A small, heavy object used for keeping loose papers in place.

CL written communications
BT writing and drawing equipment

---

papyrus
A writing material prepared from the pithy stem of an aquatic plant.

CL written communications
BT written item

---

parade armour
Decorative armour used for parades and display, not for combat.

CL armour and weapons
BT armour <by function>

---

parasol
A light weight umbrella used as a sun shade.

CL dress and personal accessories
BT personal accessory

---

parchment
An animal skin prepared as a writing or painting surface.

CL written communications
BT written item

---

parchment pricker
An object used to prick holes on each side of a manuscript page to mark the postion of the horizontal lines.

CL written communications
BT writing and drawing equipment

---

pargetting mould
A tool used to produce designs in plaster on the outside of buildings.

CL tools and equipment
BT mould

---

parting vessel
A container, usually square or rectangular, used in metal processing for separating metals one from another, usually silver from gold.

CL container
BT scientific and industrial container

---

pastern trammel

USE hobble

---

paten
A plate used in the Eucharist.

CL religion or ritual
BT eucharist object

---

patten
An overshoe with a thick sole or set on an iron ring to raise the wearer's foot out of the mud and so protect normal shoes.

CL dress and personal accessories
BT footwear

---

pattern
An example from which another object is made.

CL manufacture and processing

---

pax
A tablet with a handle fitted to the back of it.

CL religion or ritual

---

peck
A measure for dry substances. A quarter of a bushel.

CL container
BT measuring vessel

CL measurement
BT measuring vessel

---

pectoral
Breast ornament

CL dress and personal accessories
BT jewellery

---

pedal (music)
A part of a musical instrument played by the feet.

CL music
BT musical instrument component

---

peeler
A device with a handle and cutting edge to help remove skin from vegetables and fruit.

CL food preparation and consumption
BT food preparation equipment

---

peg
A wood or metal dowel for joining objects together eg for securing roofing slates.

CL unassigned
BT fastening

UF dowel

---

peg arm

USE string instrument

---

pellet bell

USE crotal

---

pen
An instrument for writing or drawing with ink.

CL written communications
BT writing and drawing equipment

---

penannular brooch
A circular or sub circular brooch with an attached pin. There is a gap in the circular part of the brooch.

CL dress and personal accessories
BT brooch

---

penannular ring
A ring with separated, often ornamented, terminals.

CL dress and personal accessories
BT jewellery

---

pencil
An instrument for writing or drawing, which usually consists of a thin rod of graphite surrounded by a wooden cylinder.

CL written communications
BT writing and drawing equipment

UF slate pencil

---

pendant
A supended ornament.

CL dress and personal accessories
BT jewellery
NT bracteate

UF bulla (pendant)
UF halberd pendant
UF ring pendant

---

pendulum
A body suspended so as to be free to swing, especially one regulating the work of a clock.

CL measurement

---

penis sheath
An opaque, rigid sheath used to cover the penis. Not usually contraceptive and not for obvious visual display.

CL dress and personal accessories
BT outerwear

---

penknife
A small, sharp bladed knife for sharpening pens, originally sheathed, now the blades fold.

CL tools and equipment
BT knife

---

pentatych

USE writing tablet

---

<percussive weapon>
A weapon, usually blunt, used to strike an opponent.

CL armour and weapons
BT weapon
NT club
NT mace
NT quarterstaff
NT war hammer

---

perforated object
An object which has one or more holes through it. Use more specific term where known.

CL unassigned

UF shafthole implement

---

perfume bottle
A container for perfume.

CL container
BT cosmetic container

UF perfume pot

---

perfume pot

USE perfume bottle

---

<personal accessory>
An object belonging to, used by, or related exclusively to one person and normally carried or kept privately by that person.

CL dress and personal accessories
NT aestel
NT amulet capsule
NT chatelaine
NT fan
NT fob
NT girdle hanger
NT goggles
NT hand luggage
NT hand mirror
NT handkerchief
NT parasol
NT pipe (smoking)
NT pipe cleaner
NT pipe tamper
NT spectacles (human)
NT staff
NT toilet article
NT umbrella
NT walking stick
NT watch

---

<personal grooming and hygiene item>
An item used in caring for the body for appearance and cleanliness.

CL dress and personal accessories
BT toilet article
NT hair care equipment
NT manicure implement
NT shaving item
NT tweezers
NT washing and cleansing item

---

personal hoard

USE hoard

---

<personal hygiene container>
This includes cosmetic containers.

CL container
BT container <by function>
NT aquamanile
NT basin
NT bath
NT bed pan
NT chamber pot
NT cosmetic container
NT lavabo
NT pouncet box
NT shaving bowl
NT washing bowl

---

<personal ornament>
An object originally created to be worn on the human body or on clothing for ornamentation rather than for protection or as a body covering.

CL dress and personal accessories
NT hair ornament
NT head ornament
NT jewellery

---

<personal symbol>
An object originally created to communicate a particular personal belief, achievement, status or membership. It includes articles of adornment or clothing worn primarily for their symbolism.

CL signs or symbols
NT arms
NT badge
NT baton
NT crown
NT epaulette
NT heraldic device
NT medal
NT medallion
NT pilgrim badge
NT sceptre
NT tippet (stole)

---

pestle
A tool for pounding or grinding.

RT cosmetic pestle
RT mortar (vessel)
RT mortar (vessel)

CL tools and equipment
BT grinding equipment

---

petit tranchet arrowhead

USE transverse arrowhead

---

petroglyph
A rock carving, especially a prehistoric one.

CL unassigned

---

pew
A bench with a back, usually in a church.

CL furnishings and furniture
BT seat

---

phallic object
An object fashioned in the image of a penis.

CL religion or ritual

---

phial
A small bottle for liquids.

CL container
BT scientific and industrial container

---

phylactery
A religious receptacle, especially Jewish where it contains four Hebrew texts worn during morning prayers.

CL religion or ritual
BT religious personal accessory

---

pick
A tool with a pointed head for breaking ground.

CL tools and equipment
BT striking equipment

---

pickaxe
A pick with a point at one end and a cutting blade at the other end.

CL tools and equipment
BT striking equipment

---

picture frame
A border put around a picture to enhance it and ususally to hold in place the picture and any covering, eg glass.

CL unassigned
BT frame

---

pier
A support for an arch, lintel, beam etc.

CL architecture
BT architectural element
NT pilaster

UF gate pier
UF gate pillar

---

<piercing equipment>
Equipment used to pierce or puncture other objects through the use of a point.

CL tools and equipment
NT awl
NT bodkin
NT bradawl
NT marlin spike
NT needle
NT point
NT syringe

---

pigment container
A container used to hold substances for dying or painting.

CL container
BT container <by function>

---

pike
A long wooden shafted weapon tipped with a metal point.

CL armour and weapons
BT spear

---

pilaster
A rectangular pier projecting slightly from the face of the wall it buttresses.

CL architecture
BT pier

---

pilgrim badge
A badge, usually of lead alloy, distributed at various religious shrines of the medieval period and worn on clothing as proof of a pilgrimage and as a talisman.

CL religion or ritual
BT religious personal accessory

CL signs or symbols
BT personal symbol

---

pilgrim bottle
Use appropriate term.

USE ampulla
USE costrel

---

pill box
A container for pills or tablets.

CL container
BT medical container

CL medicine and pharmacy
BT medical container

---

pillar
A detached vertical structure acting as support to a superstructure. Where a pillar is a separate monument, use a monument type thesaurus.

CL architecture
BT architectural element

---

pillar harp

USE harp

---

pillory
A wooden framework with holes for the head and hands, in which the offender stood.

CL punishment and restraint

---

pillow
A bag stuffed with soft material used to support the head whilst sleeping.

CL furnishings and furniture
BT bedding

---

pilum

USE javelin

---

pin
A small piece of metal or other material used to hold objects together.

CL unassigned
BT fastening
NT split pin

---

pin beater

USE weft beater

---

pin cushion
A small cushion into which pins are pushed for storage.

CL tools and equipment

---

pincers
A tool for gripping with, often used to pinch objects together.

CL tools and equipment
BT gripping equipment

---

pintle
A pin or bolt, especially one on which some other object turns.

CL unassigned
BT fastening

---

pipe cleaner
An object for cleaning a pipe used for smoking.

CL dress and personal accessories
BT personal accessory

---

pipe holder

USE pipe rack

---

pipe rack
A rack to hold smoking pipes.

RT pipe (smoking)

CL tools and equipment
BT tools and equipment

---

pipe tamper
An instrument used to compress a substance into a smoking pipe.

RT pipe (smoking)

CL dress and personal accessories
BT personal accessory

---

pipe (architectural)
A tube for the transport of liquids and gases eg for drainage purposes.

CL architecture
BT architectural element
NT drain pipe
NT water pipe (architectural)

---

pipe (music)
Use appropriate term

USE flute
USE organ
USE reed pipe

---

pipe (smoking)
A pipe in which a substance is smoked.

RT case (pipe)
RT pipe rack
RT pipe tamper

CL dress and personal accessories
BT personal accessory
NT clay pipe (smoking)
NT opium pipe
NT tobacco pipe
NT water pipe (smoking)

---

pipkin
A single handled pottery saucepan.

CL container
BT food gathering and preparation container

CL food preparation and consumption
BT food preparation container

---

piscina
A bowl for the ritual washing of hands.

RT lavabo

CL container
BT religious or ritual container

---

pistol
A form of handgun.

CL armour and weapons
BT handgun
NT flintlock pistol

---

pitcher
A large jug, usually rounded with a narrow neck, used for holding liquids.

CL container
BT container <by form>
BT drink serving container

CL food preparation and consumption
BT drink serving container

---

pitchfork
A long handled fork with two or three long curved tines for tossing straw or hay.

CL agriculture and subsistence

CL tools and equipment

UF hayfork

---

plan
A diagram or drawing made by projection onto a horizontal plane, often of a building.

CL written communications

---

plane
A tool used to smooth wood. It has a flat surface with an adjustable blade protruding through it.

CL tools and equipment
BT smoothing equipment

---

plank
A long piece of timber, thicker than a board.

RT board

CL architecture
BT architectural fragment

---

plano convex knife
A flint tool with a convex top and flat base.

CL tools and equipment
BT knife

---

plant macro remains
Use for large remains such as fruit, seeds, plant parts, buds etc.

CL ecofacts
BT plant remains

---

plant micro remains
Use for microscropic remains.

CL ecofacts
BT plant remains

---

plant remains
Remains of vegetal matter.

CL ecofacts
NT plant macro remains
NT plant micro remains
NT pollen

---

plaque
An inscribed tablet.

CL unassigned

UF commemorative plaque
UF commemorative tablet
UF memorial tablet
UF wall tablet

---

plate
A shallow, usually circular, dish on which food is served or eaten from.

CL container
BT food serving container

CL food preparation and consumption
BT food serving container

---

plate armour
Armour formed from thin pieces of metal fastened together or on leather or some strong woven material.

CL armour and weapons
BT armour <by construction>

---

plate brooch
A brooch with a flat plate to which the pin and catchplate are attached at the back, includes disc brooches.

CL dress and personal accessories
BT brooch

---

platter
Large shallow dish or plate.

CL container
BT food serving container

CL food preparation and consumption
BT food serving container

---

playing piece

USE gaming piece

---

plectrum
Any instrument for plucking or strumming a string eg a small piece of wood or plastic used to strum a guitar.

CL music
BT musical instrument component

---

pliers
A gripping tool consisting of two hinged arms, usually with serrated jaws.

CL tools and equipment
BT gripping equipment

---

plinth

USE column

---

plough
An agricultural implement with sharp blades for cutting or turning over the earth.

CL agriculture and subsistence
BT cultivation object

UF bar share
UF coulter
UF ploughshare
UF share

---

ploughshare

USE plough

---

plucked string instrument
An instrument played mainly by plucking the strings. Use narrower term where known.

CL music
BT string instrument
NT guitar
NT harp
NT lute
NT lyre
NT mandolin

---

plug
An object used to fill up a hole.

CL unassigned
BT stopper

---

plug bayonet
A bayonet designed to plug into the muzzle of a musket or rifle.

CL armour and weapons
BT bayonet

---

plumb bob
A weight hung on a piece of string or twine used to show the vertical.

CL tools and equipment

---

plumbatum

USE javelin

---

plume
A conspicuous ornament usually a feather or of horse hair worn attached to headwear.

CL dress and personal accessories
BT clothing accessory

---

poignard
A short stabbing weapon.

CL armour and weapons
BT dagger

---

point
A tool with a sharp tapering end used for piercing materials or as a weapon point.

CL tools and equipment
BT piercing equipment
NT barbed point

---

poker
A bar or rod, usually of metal, used to push another object into place eg to push coals within a fire.

CL heating and lighting
BT fire iron

CL tools and equipment

---

pole
A long usually cylindrical object usually made of wood.

CL unassigned

---

pole axe
A long shaft topped by an axe head. Differs from a battleaxe by the length of the shaft.

CL armour and weapons
BT staff weapon

---

polesheath

USE cart

---

polished axehead
An axehead of flint or other stone, commonly used for Neolithic types.

CL tools and equipment
BT axehead

---

polished knife
A stone tool, often only polished on the edge.

CL tools and equipment
BT knife

---

polisher
Polished bone used to burnish objects eg pottery.

CL tools and equipment
BT smoothing equipment

UF rubber

---

polishing iron
A tool used to produce a polish on an object.

CL tools and equipment
BT smoothing equipment

---

pollen
The remains of the fine powdery substance produced by male elements of flowering plants, uniquely identifiable to the species it came from.

CL ecofacts
BT plant remains

---

polyptych

USE writing tablet

---

pommander
A hollow ball for containing aromatic substances eg perfume.

CL container
BT cosmetic container

---

pommel (saddle)

USE saddle

---

porringer
A small dish, often with a handle, for soup, porridge etc.

CL container
BT food serving container

CL food preparation and consumption
BT food serving container

---

portative organ

USE organ

---

posset pot
A pot for drinking hot milk curdled with ale and flavoured with spice used as a remedy eg for colds.

CL container
BT drinking vessel

CL food preparation and consumption
BT drinking vessel

---

post
A freestanding pole, stake etc often used to support a superstructure.

CL architecture
BT architectural element

---

pot
A container, usually round and deep.

CL container
BT food and liquid storage container

---

pot boiler
A stone heated in a fire then dropped into a liquid to heat it.

CL heating and lighting
BT heating object

---

pot lid

USE lid

---

potters stamp
The tool used to create a mark on pottery by the potter.

CL tools and equipment
BT seal matrix

---

potters tool
A tool used in making pottery.

CL tools and equipment

---

potters wheel
A rotating wheel, horizontal to the ground, on which pottery is made.

CL tools and equipment

---

pouch
A small bag or detachable outside pocket.

CL container
BT hand luggage

CL dress and personal accessories
BT hand luggage

---

pounce pot
A pot for fine powder.

CL container
BT writing container

---

pouncet box
A box with a perforated top used for perfume.

CL container
BT personal hygiene container

---

pounder
A tool used to pound, crush or beat an object.

CL tools and equipment
BT grinding equipment

---

powder flask
A container for loose gun powder. Sometimes with a regulator to release enough powder for one shot.

RT firearm

CL container
BT weapon and ammunition container

---

powder horn
A horn used to hold loose gun powder for recharging firearms.

RT firearm

CL container
BT weapon and ammunition container

---

powder measure
A container to provide a set amount of gun powder.

CL container
BT measuring vessel

CL measurement
BT measuring vessel

---

<power symbol>
A symbol with secular signifigance, particularly implying authority.

CL signs or symbols
NT ceremonial staff
NT crown
NT diadem
NT sceptre
NT throne

---

prayer bead
A bead or group of beads used in prayer.

RT rosary

CL religion or ritual
BT religious personal accessory

---

prayer book
A book containing prayers.

CL religion or ritual
BT sacrificial or libational object

CL written communications
BT book

---

prayer scroll
A scroll containing prayers.

CL religion or ritual
BT sacrificial or libational object

---

prayer stick
A stick inscribed with a prayer or prayers for use in praying.

CL religion or ritual
BT sacrificial or libational object

---

press
Equipment or tool used to compress an object into a desired form, a flatter appearance etc.

CL tools and equipment
BT pressing and crushing equipment

---

<pressing and crushing equipment>
Equipment used to compress or break through compression.

CL tools and equipment
NT crushing stone
NT press

---

prick spur
A type of spur which ends in a point, blunt or sharp, which is used to aid control of an animal eg a horse.

CL dress and personal accessories
BT spur

---

pricket
A type of spike, often on candlesticks.

CL unassigned
BT spike

---

primer

USE priming flask

---

priming flask
A flask holding gunpowder used to prime a firearm, ie to provide a small quantity of gunpowder to be put in the pan which would be lit to set off the main charge in the barrel. The powder would often be a finer grade than that used for the charge.

RT firearm

CL container
BT weapon and ammunition container

UF primer

---

priming horn
A horn containing gun powder used for priming a firearm.

RT firearm

CL container
BT weapon and ammunition container

---

probe
A tool used to examine or explore a cavity eg surgically for exploring the depth and direction of wounds.

CL medicine and pharmacy
BT surgical instrument

CL tools and equipment

---

processional cross
A large cross designed to be carried in a procession.

CL religion or ritual
BT cross

---

<projectile>
An object which is propelled by force away from a launcher, which can include from a human.

CL armour and weapons
BT projectile weapon
NT ammunition
NT arrow
NT arrowhead
NT ballista ball
NT ballista bolt
NT bolas
NT crossbow bolt
NT dart
NT sling shot
NT spear
NT throwing axe

---

<projectile weapon>
A weapon where an object is propelled away from its launcher by means of force. The launcher can be a weapon, eg a catapult, or a person. This term includes the projectiles themselves.

CL armour and weapons
BT weapon
NT blowpipe (weapon)
NT bow (weapon)
NT catapult
NT crossbow
NT firearm
NT projectile
NT sling (military)
NT spear gun
NT spear thrower

---

prong
The point or tine of a fork.

CL unassigned

---

property marker
An indicator of the extent and or ownership of a property.

CL measurement
BT boundary marker

---

prototype
The original pattern/type of an object.

CL manufacture and processing

UF archetype

---

protractor
An instrument for measuring angles, usually in the form of a graduated semi-circle.

CL measurement
BT geometry instrument

---

pruning hook
A tool with a curved blade used for pruning.

CL agriculture and subsistence
BT cultivation object

CL tools and equipment
BT cutting equipment

---

pruning knife
A knife designed to be used for pruning plants.

CL agriculture and subsistence
BT cultivation object

CL tools and equipment
BT knife

---

psaltery
Instruments of psaltery and dulcimer type.

CL music
BT musical instrument <by string>

UF dulcimer

---

pulley
A wheel with a groove in it for a rope or cord, used to raise heavy objects.

CL tools and equipment

UF pulley insert
UF pulley wheel

---

pulley insert

USE pulley

---

pulley wheel

USE pulley

---

punch
A tool for perforating or stamping, used in conjunction with a hammer.

CL tools and equipment
BT marking equipment

---

CLASS - PUNISHMENT AND RESTRAINT
Objects relating to the punishment and restraint of humans.

NT branding iron
NT ducking stool
NT gallows
NT gibbet
NT pillory
NT scourge
NT shackle
NT slave chain
NT slave collar
NT stocks
NT thumbscrew
NT whip
NT whipping post

---

puppet
A small doll controlled by the operators hand either directly or with strings.

CL sports and games
BT toy

---

purse
A small bag or pouch for carrying money, especially coins.

CL container
BT hand luggage
NT arm purse

CL dress and personal accessories
BT hand luggage
NT arm purse

UF gipciere
UF purse frame
UF purse mount

---

purse frame

USE purse

---

purse mount
If thought to be used for ignition use strike a light.

USE purse

---

puzzle
A toy designed to exercise the ingenuity.

CL sports and games

---

pygmy cup
An accessory vessel to a cremation.

CL container
BT religious or ritual container

---

pyx
A container in which the Sacrament is carried.

RT tabernacle

CL religion or ritual

---

A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, O, P, Q, R, S, T, U, V, W, X, Y, Z [Contents]

©, English Heritage & Royal Commission on the Historical Monuments of England, 1997. You may freely download this page for non-profit use, but must acknowledge , EH & RCHME in any output in which it is used.