In Aztec mythology, Tezcatlipoca was the principal god. He was at first the god of life, and was represented bearing darts and a polished metal shield. Research Tezcatlipoca
The aero-dart was a weapon used by airmen during the Great War, showers of darts being released over masses of enemy troops in the open. Aero-darts were a metal rod roughly five inches long and half an inch in diameter, sharpened to a point at one end, with the other end formed into four fins. Research Aero-Dart
A balista was a large military engine, similar to a cross-bow, used by the ancients for hurling stones, darts and other missiles by means of a spring tightly drawn and then let loose. Research Balista
A catapult was an ancient military engine for throwing arrows, darts, or stones, consisting of a strong wooden framework supporting a bow of wood or steel, which was bent by means of a windlass, the cord being finally released by a spring.
Catapults are thought to have been invented by Dionysius in 399 BC. Research Catapult
Archery is the sport of shooting with a bow and arrow. An ancient sport, originally employed for hunting and then for warfare, it originated the English game of darts and is the national sport of Bhutan. There are two main games of
archery - target archery which involves shooting arrows at circular targets; and field archery which involves shooting arrows at targets resembling game animals, such as deer. Research Archery
Bull-fighting is a barbaric and cruel diversion, a favourite of the Spaniards. They are usually held in an amphitheatre having circular seats rising one above another, and are attended by vast crowds who eagerly pay for admission. The combatants, who make bullfighting their profession, march into the arena in procession. They are of various kinds - the picadores, combatants on horseback, in the old Spanish knightly garb; the chulos or banderilleros, combatants on foot, in gay dresses, with coloured cloaks or banners; and lastly, the matador (the killer).
As soon as the signal is given the unfortunate bull is let into the arena. The picadores, who have stationed themselves near him, commence the attack with their lances, and the bull is thus goaded to fury and fear. Sometimes a horse is wounded or killed, and the rider is obliged to run for his life. The chulos assist the horsemen by drawing the attention of the bull with their cloaks; and in case of danger they save themselves by leaping over the wooden fence which surrounds the arena. The banderilleros then come into play. They try to fasten on the bull their banderillas - barbed darts ornamented with coloured paper, and often having squibs or crackers attached. These barbed darts weaken the bull's neckmuscles making him less dangerous, and cause him to bleed, also weakening the now terrified beast. If they succeed, the squibs are discharged, and the bull races madly about the arena in terror. The matador or espada now comes in arrogantly with a naked sword, and a red flag to decoy the bull with, and aims a fatal blow at the animal, stabbing him behind the head and cutting the spine. The slaughtered bull is dragged away, and another unfortunate beast is let out from the stall. Several bulls are so cruelly disposed of in a single day for the pleasure of the cruel and senseless crowd. Research Bull-Fighting
Darts is a game played with small pointed missiles fitted with a feathered or plastic flight, which are thrown at a circular target divided into twenty numbered segments and inner circles called 'doubles', 'triples', twenty-five and the central circle called the bullseye - which scores fifty. The game of darts originated in England after Englishmen were required by royal decree to practice their archery everyday. Darts is traditionally a man's game associated with public houses though there are no rules governing the gender of participants. Research Darts
Accordion pleats are a type of fine, narrow, regular pleating created by sewing or pressing minute darts into the fabric of dresses and skirts, usually from the waistband towards the hem. Accordion pleating was used in the construction of ball gowns during the late 19th century. By the turn of the century it was an integral part of many styles and became especially popular during the 1920s and 1950s. Research Accordion Pleats
A princess slip is a full underskirt with a series of seams following the line of the darts through the garment from the shoulder to hem, thus creating panels. Research Princess Slip
The Probert Encyclopaedia was designed, edited and programed by
Matt and Leela Probert
Abbreviations
Research Tezcatlipoca
