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Acanthus: A Classical fleshy leaf decoration used on a wide variety of objects. Mostly a stylized version of the thistle-like leaf of the acanthus mollis plant, often used on furniture, especially brackets and legs. [picture]

Acid cutting: Used for decorating glass; objects were coated with an acid-resistant substance, often wax. A design was scratched or carved in the wax, exposing the underlying glass, and the whole item dipped in acid, which fixes the design.

Anthemion: A stylised honeysuckle ornament, in the Classical style, with inwards curving petals.

Apron: A length of wood found beneath the bottom framing of a drawer, table top, chair seat etc. usually shaped and often decorated.

Arcading: A series of arches, usually supported on columns.

Architrave: In Classical architecture, which is reflected in classic furniture, it's the horizontal moulding above a series of capitals, which is the lowest part of an entablature. It can also be the lowest part of a frieze. Most commonly, it's the moulded frame surrounding a door, window, mirror or picture frame. They can sometimes be embellished with with projections of shoulders or ears at the corners.

Astragal: A narrow moulding, semi-circular in profile, sometimes carved. It is used particularly for glazing bars and the closing edges of doors. [picture]

Atlantis: The male equivalent of a caryatid, used mainly in the C17th. Sometimes referred to as an Atlanta.

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