‖ opus araneum
(ˈɒpəs æˈrɑːnɪəm)
[med.L., lit. ‘spider's work’.]
Darned netting; a type of delicate embroidery done on a ground of net. Also called spiderwork (spider n. 11).
| 1865 F. B. Palliser Hist. Lace ii. 17 Distinct from all these geometric combinations was the Lacis of the sixteenth century, done on a network ground (réseau), identical with the ‘opus araneum’, or spider-work of continental writers. 1870 D. Rock Textile Fabrics 162 This is a good specimen of a kind of cobweb weaving, or ‘opus araneum’, for which Lombardy..earned such a reputation at one time. 1874 [see spiderwork s.v. spider n. 11]. 1882 Caulfeild & Saward Dict. Needlework 233/1 During the Middle Ages this Network was called Opus Araneum, Ouvrages Masches, Punto a Maglia, Lacis, and Point Conté. 1900 F. N. Jackson Hist. Hand-Made Lace 185 Opus araneum, Spider Work. The ancient name for Cluny Guipure Lace and Darned Netting. |