Vegetable Marrow
a species of gourd cultivated as a culinary vegetable, and used fried, boiled, or otherwise.
Only in Collier's New Encyclopedia
Single-source entries: V (13)
These 11 listings are so strange that each appears in only one of the 7 encyclopedias we compared. They include such classics as Vegetable Marrow, Vegetable Wax, Vegetarian.
Vegetable Wax
This wax is found as exudations on leaves and fruits, where they form a glaucous surface, which repels water. The bayberry, for instance, is thickly coated with it.
Only in The Encyclopedia of Founding
Vegetarian
one who lives solely on vegetable food. A vegetarian diet includes grain foods, fruit, garden vegetables, and nuts. The definition does not exclude coffee, tea, or liquor. Some vegetarians claim that milk, butter, cheese, and eggs are proper articles of diet; but meat of all kinds, including fish and fowl, are excluded. A large part of the world is inhabited by vegetarians, not from choice but from necessity.The agricultural peasant of Europe goes without meat for weeks. Eggs are too expensive for home consumption. He cannot afford to buy meat. Many a German peasant dines on rye bread, milk, and vegetables without seeing meat for weeks at a time. The Japanese workman cannot afford meat. There are sects in India that have refused to eat meat for ages. Ingenious arguments have been built up to prove that man does not require flesh. It is altogether probable that in meat-eating countries too much flesh is eaten; but the best medical authorities are of the opinion that a well balanced diet should include meat in reasonable quantities.
Only in Aiton's Encyclopedia
Vehm-Gerichte
A secret tribunal which during the Middle Ages exercised a peculiar jurisdiction in Germany and especially in Westphalia. Its origin is quite uncertain. The sessions were often held in secret, and the uninitiated were forbidden to attend them on pain of death. The most absurd stories have been circulated concerning them, that they met in underground chambers and so forth. These have been discounted by modern research. Far from dabbling in the occult, these courts frequently punished persons convicted of witchcraft and sorcery.
Only in An Encyclopaedia of Occultism
Veii
an ancient city of ETRURIA (q. v.); in early times the formidable rival of Rome. supposed to have been at Isola Farnese, 12 miles from Rome. It waged 14 distinct wars with Rome-an almost incessant warfare down to its capture after a 10 years' siege by Camillus (396 b. c.).
Only in Collier's New Encyclopedia
Vein
. See Circulation ; Blood
Only in Aiton's Encyclopedia
Veiovis
A Roman deity, whose name is explained by some to mean little Jupiter ; while others interpret it the destructive Jupiter, and identify him with Pluto . He was represented as a youthful god armed with arrows. Velitrae (Velletri). An ancient town of the Volscians in Latium, but subsequently belonging to the Latin League. It is chiefly celebrated as the birthplace of the emperor Augustus. Venti (The Winds). The master and ruler of all the winds is Aeolus , who resides in the island Aeolia; but the other gods also, especially Zeus (Jupiter), exercise a power over them. Homer mentions by name Boreas (north wind), Eurus (east wind), Notus (south wind), and Zephyrus (west wind). According to Hesiod, the beneficial winds-Notus, Boreas, Argestes, and Zephyrus-were the sons of Astraeus and Eos; and the destructive ones-such as Typhon-are said to be the sons of Typhoeus.
Only in 1000 Classical Characters
Vekplanck
GULIAN CROM- MELIN, an American author; born in New York City, in 1786. He published anonymously in 1819 a brilliant satirical work, entitled: "The State of Triumvirate." In 1825 he was elected to Congress, and published, 1827-1830, conjointly with William Cullen Bryant and Robert C. Sands, a mi miscellany entitled "The Talisman." Among his other works are his address before the New York_Historical Society entitled "The Early European Friends of America" (1818); "Essays on the Nature and Uses of the Evidences of Revealed Religion" (1824); and "Discourses and Addresses on Subjects of American History, Art, and Literature" (1833). In 1846 he brought out his edition of Shakespeare, with notes, esteemed one of the best that had ever appeared. He died in New York City, March 18, 1870.
Only in Collier's New Encyclopedia
Vela
VINCENZO, a Swiss sculptor; born in Ligornetto, Switzerland, in 1822; learned the trade of stone cutting; but in 1836 turned his attention to drawing. In 1847 he settled in Rome, and in 1848 was a volunteer in the Italian army during the war against Austria. He later removed to Turin and became celebrated by his statues. His works include: "Christ Raising the Daughter of Jairus"; "A Prayer"; "Spartacus"; "Harmony in Tears" (1855); "France and Italy" (1863); "Columbus and America"; "The Last Days of Napoleon"; "Spring"; etc. He was made an officer of the Legion of Honor in 1867. He died in Bellinzona, Ticino, Oct. 3, 1891.
Only in Collier's New Encyclopedia
Velazquez
DIEGO DE, a Spanish explorer; born in Cuellar, Spain, about 1460; accompanied Columbus to Española in 1493, and there distinguished himself in the wars against the Indians and amassed a fortune. In 1511 Diego Columbus appointed him to conduct an expedition against Cuba, and in the latter part of the year he landed on the E. shore at the head of 300 troops. He quickly conquered Hatuey the cacique, and put Panifilo de Narvaez, his lieutenant, in active command. The unarmed natives were soon overcome, and subjected to slavery, in which they soon perished. Later Velazquez established Matanzas, Trinidad, Santiago, and other places. In 1517 he joined Cordova in an expedition after slaves and they discovered Yucatan. Soon after, on learning of the rich Aztec empire, he fitted out an expedition for its conquest and placed CORTEZ (q. v.) in command. When the latter had reached the site of Vera Cruz he took independent command. Pafilo de Narvaez was sent to capture him in 1520, but was defeated. Velásquez died in Havana in 1522 or 1523.
Only in Collier's New Encyclopedia
Veleda
A prophetess among the ancient Germans, of whom Tacitus says: "She exercises a great authority, for women have been held here from the most ancient times to be prophetic, and, by excessive superstition, as divine. The fame of Veleda stood on the very highest elevation, for she foretold to the Germans a prosperous issue, but to the legions their destruction! Veleda dwelt upon a high tower, whence messengers were dispatched bearing her oracular counsels to those who sought them; but she herself was rarely seen, and none was allowed to approach her. Cercalis is said to have secretly begged her to let the Romans have better success in war. The Romans, as well as those of her own race, set great store on her prophecies, and sent her valuable gifts. In the reign of the Emperor Vespasian she was honoured as a goddess." 66
Only in An Encyclopaedia of Occultism