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κερκίδων, poet. plur. for sing., like “βωμοί, σκῆπτρα”, etc.—The “κερκίς” (“κρέκω”, to strike the web in weaving) was ‘like a large netting needle’ (Rich s.v. radius), ‘rather longer than the breadth of the web.’ It was used for two purposes. (1) As a rod with which to strike the threads of the woof, in order to condense them. The flat blade called “σπάθη” was a later substitute. In the modern loom this is done by the moveable bar called the ‘batten.’ (2) As a shuttle, i.e., an instrument for shooting the threads of the woof (“κρόκη”) from one side of the loom to the other, between the threads of the warp (“στήμων”). In the East weavers sometimes use a long reed for both these purposes. Eur. Tro. 198οὐκ Ἰδαίοις ἱστοῖς κερκίδα δινεύουσ᾽ ἐξαλλάξω” (‘no more,

at the loom, will I send the shuttle flying across the warp’).—Cp. Eur. Hec. 1170, where the women blind Polymestor with their brooches (“πόρπαι περόναι”); and O. T. 1269 n.


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hide References (3 total)
  • Commentary references from this page (3):
    • Euripides, Hecuba, 1170
    • Euripides, Trojan Women, 198
    • Sophocles, Oedipus Tyrannus, 1269
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