‖ gammadion
(gæˈmeɪdɪɒn)
Also gammation.
[a. late Gr. γαµµάτιον, γαµµάδιον, f. γάµµα.]
A decorative pattern formed of repetitions or combinations of the shape of the Greek letter gamma (Γ); by antiquaries applied chiefly to the particular device called otherwise fylfot; also to a figure composed of four gammas placed back to back in such a way as to form a voided Greek cross.
| 1848 B. Webb Cont. Ecclesiol. 432 Apostles with gammadœ [sic] on their robes. 1872 Gloss. Eccl. Terms (ed. Shipley), Gammadion, the same as Gammadium or Fylfot. 1876 Rock Text. Fabr. v. 36 This word Gammadion was a word applied as often to the patterns on silks as to the figures wrought on gold and silver. 1877 Lee Gloss. Liturg. & Eccl. Terms, Fylfot..was also called Gammation..the Greek term for this mystical device. 1889 Elvin Dict. Heraldry, Gammadion, a Cross potent rebated. |
| attrib. 1869 F. B. Palliser Lace ii. 19 Two specimens of..network..the one ornamented with..shields and crosses, the other with the mediæval gammadion pattern. |