Crusca is an Italian term, signifying _bran_, hence the name Academy
_della Crusca_, or the _Bran_ Academy, which was established at
Florence, for purifying and perfecting the Tuscan language; it was
formed in the year 1582, but scarcely heard of before the year 1584,
when it became noted for a dispute between Tasso and several of its
members. According to its origin, its device is a sieve, and its motto,
_Il piu bel fior ne coglie_; that is, _It gathers the finest flour
thereof_.
In the hall or apartment where the Academy meets, every thing bears
allusion to the name and device: the seats are in the form of a baker's
basket; their backs like a shovel for moving of corn; the cushions of
grey satin in form of sacks, or wallets; and the branches, where the
lights are placed, likewise resemble sacks. This Academy is now united
with two others, viz. the Fiorentina, and the Apatisti, under the name
of _Reale Accademia Fiorentina_.