epinetron

English

Etymology

Ancient Greek ἐπίνητρον (epínētron)

Noun

epinetron (plural epinetra)

1. (historical) A piece of Attic pottery worn on a woman's thigh during the preparation of wool, akin to a thimble, and used as a decorative symbol for goddesses and unmarried girls.
   • 2012, Sharon L. James, A Companion to Women in the Ancient World:

     The epinetron (also called onos, although the original name is uncertain) was a semi-cylindrical object that was closed at one end and designed to fit over the thigh to aid in the production of wool.

   • 2016, Sally Waite, On the Fascination of Objects: Greek and Etruscan Art in the Shefton Collection:

     The iconography of some red-figure epinetra certainly supports an association with the wedding, one fragment (Copenhagen, National Museum 318, BAPD 10665) depicts the bride and groom in a chariot.

Anagrams

• interpone, neopterin, peritenon, tin opener, tin-opener