Vocabulary for Feminine Identity of Florentine Bride Research

This list will be updated regularly and alphabetized when completed.

Vocabulary List for Italian

Words from Jacqueline Marie Musacchio, Art, Marriage & Family in the Florentine Renaissance Palace, (2010).

Da donna novella or da sposa- Bridal objects

Da parto- Birth objects

Da vedova- Widow's things

Donora- Dowry

Chermisi- Kermes-carmine red dye

Lettuccino- Daybed

Cassoni (forzieri)- Marriage chests (painted from 1370-1470s)

Spallire- Painted wainscoting panels for bridal chamber

Desco da parto- Childbirth tray

Palazzo- Townhouse

Ricordanze- Record book with assets, accounts and inventories commonly noted by the man of the house

Mobili- Movable goods (objects including wife)

Immobili- Unmovable objects (land, buildings)

Catasto- Graduated household tax

Parenti- Parents

Amici- Friends

Vicini- Neighbors

Parentado- Larger group of concerned citizens

Sensali or Mezzani- Marriage broker (free)

Donora- Marital goods (aprox. 11-16% of dowry)

Poveri vergognosi- Shamed but worthy poor

Monte delle doti- A communal dowry fund, est. 1425 in Florence

Impalmamento- The handclasp between men that sealed the financial deal (the first step in marriage)

Giuamento- A notarized agreement (second step in marriage)

Anellamento- Handclasp of man & wife that signified their union, often ring was presented at this time

Diamante- Diamond (comes from Greek adamas, or invincible)

Donna Novella- New bride

Mattinata- A noisy spree that interrupts a marriage procession

Trombadori- Elite group of civic musicians who play at official celebrations

Dormire- To sleep [with the bride]

Tafferie da parto- Painted wooden bowl honoring childbirth

Forzerino- Betrothal chest or marriage casket. Smaller then cassoni- like the ivory one at The Minneapolis Institute of Arts http://www.artsmia.org/viewer/detail.php?v=12&id=1398

Fiore- Flower

Virtù- Virtue

Per la chamera mia- For my chamber

Rigattieri- Second-hand dealers

Masserizie- Key possessions of lineage of familial identity

Compari- Baptismal sponsors/ co-parents

Consorterie- Extended family groups

Casa- House & family

Sgraffito- Plaster facade of house scratched with ornamental motifs

Altana- Covered terrace of house

Impannate- Fabric stretched window frames on inside of shutters

Gamurra- Underdress (shift)

Guarnello- Informal overdress

Piffero- Piper

Guardadonna- Afterbirth attendant for woman

Acquaio- Wall fountain

le Dipinture- Paintings

Dipintore di camera- Chamber painter

Imbiancatore- White washer

Lettiere- High backed raised platformed beds with attached side chests

Fornimento- Bedroom furniture ensemble

Vespe- Wasps

Api- Bees (Ape di miele- honeybee)

Arazzo- Tapestry

Vendure- Field of flowers woven on tapestries

Portiera- Door hanging

Onesta e bella- "honest and beautiful" commonly inscribed on forzerini