(Encyclopedia) Banks, Thomas, 1735–1805, English neoclassical sculptor, studied at the Royal Academy. A traveling scholarship enabled him to study in Rome from 1772 to 1779. In 1781 he went to Russia…
(Encyclopedia) curfew [O.Fr.,=cover fire], originally a signal, such as the ringing of a bell, to damp the fire, extinguish all lights in the dwelling, and retire for the night. The custom originated…
(Encyclopedia) pun, use of words, usually humorous, based on (a) the several meanings of one word, (b) a similarity of meaning between words that are pronounced the same, or (c) the difference in…
(Encyclopedia) flügelhornflügelhornflüˈgəlhôrnˌ [key], three-valved brass instrument similar in size and shape to the trumpet but having a conical rather than a cylindrical bore and possessing a…
(Encyclopedia) Independence Hall, historic building on Independence Square, downtown Philadelphia, in Independence National Historical Park. Originally constructed as the Pennsylvania colony's…
(Encyclopedia) Shannon, Claude Elwood, 1916–2001, American applied mathematician, b. Gaylord, Michigan. A student of Vannevar Bush at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), he was the first…
(Encyclopedia) LurayLurayl&oobreve;rāˈ [key], town (1990 pop. 4,587), seat of Page co., N Va., in the Shenandoah valley, in a farm area; inc. 1812. There is light manufacturing and the town is…
(Encyclopedia) GiraldaGiraldahērälˈdä [key], the famous tower adjoining the Cathedral of Seville, Spain. It was built (1163–84) to serve as minaret to the main mosque of Seville, on the site of which…
(Encyclopedia) Van Druten, John WilliamVan Druten, John Williamvăn dr&oomacr;ˈtən [key], 1901–57, English dramatist. His best-known plays, primarily light comedies, include Old Acquaintance (1940…
