(_The syllable_ ξυν- _in Greek is generally rendered Syn_, _q.v._)
=X.= The Roman numeral for ten.
=Xanthian Marbles.= Sculptures found in 1838 at Xanthus, in ancient
Lycia, now in the British Museum. The figures are Assyrian in character,
and of a date not later than 500 B.C. Besides the so called Harpy tomb
(see HARPIES), there are sieges, processions, and many figures, in the
energetic action so remarkable in the Nineveh sculptures. Most of the
figures are in profile; but the eyes, like those of Egyptian sculptures,
are shown in full.
=Xebec.= A small lateen-rigged three-masted vessel, common in the
Mediterranean.
=Xenagia=, Gr. (ξεναγία). A subdivision of the Greek army consisting of
256 men, and subdivided into four tetrarchies, commanded by the
_Xenagos_, an officer appointed by the Spartans, who had the control of
the armies of the Greek states.
=Xenia=, Gr. (ξένια, lit. friendly gifts). (1) Delicacies, dainties, or
pastry which were sent to one another by the Greeks and Romans as a
pledge of friendship, chiefly during the Saturnalia. (2) Decorations to
the walls of _guest_-chambers consisting of paintings of _still life_
representing game, fruits, fish, and flowers.
=Xenodochium=, R. (ξενο-δοχεῖον). A low Latin term for a hospice
intended for the reception of pilgrims and sick persons. Childebert
founded a _xenodochium_ at Lyons in the 6th century.
=Xerophagia=, Chr. (ξηρο-φαγία). A six days’ fast throughout Holy Week,
during which the Christians of the primitive Church ate only bread with
a little salt, and drank nothing but water.
=Xestes=, Gr. (Lat. Sextarius). A Greek measure of capacity; very nearly
a _pint_; equivalent to the Latin SEXTARIUS.
=Xoïtes=, Egyp. A nome or division of Lower Egypt, the capital of which
was _Khsonou_; Ammon-Ra was the principal deity there worshipped.
=Xylography.= Wood-engraving (q.v.).
=Xylon=, Gr. (lit. wood). A Greek measure of length, equal to 4 feet and
6·6 inches.
=Xylopyrography.= Poker-painting; the art of burning pictures on to
wood.
=Xyneciæ=, Gr. (συν-οίκια). Festivals held at Athens in honour of
Minerva, to commemorate the union of the inhabitants of Attica into a
single city. These festivals were instituted by Theseus, and held every
year in the month of July. Another name for them was _Metœciæ_
(μετοίκιαι).
=Xystus=, Gr. (ξυστός). A covered place situated near a portico, within
which, in a palæstra or stadium, athletes went through their exercises.
Pausanias tells us that this part of the stadium received its name from
the fact that Hercules used every day to clear out the palæstra at Elis
in order to inure himself to toil, and that he tore up many weeds by
scraping (ξύω, to scrape, ξυστός). The baths and thermæ at Rome were
furnished with large xysti, in which young men went through a number of
exercises. The term _xystus_ was also generally applied by the Romans to
the beds of rare flowers and shrubs in the centre of the peristyle; it
also denoted a garden walk perfectly straight, and planted in a regular
style; and lastly, an open walk or terrace in a garden attached to any
building.