Filiform

[Fr. fil i for me, from Lat. filum, a thread, and ferre, to produce.] Having the form of a thread or filament; slender; like a thread; as, a filiform peduncle. Fil'igrane, n. [Fr., from Lat. filum, a thread, and granum, a grain.] Same as FILIGREE, q. v. Filigraned, a. Ornamented with filigree; filigree. Fil'igree, n. [See FILIGRANE.] A delicate species of ornamental IMG:content-0150.jpg:[graphic] work in gold or silver, wrought in little threads of the metal intertwisted in eccentric forms and patterns. It is of eastern origin, and was first introduced into Europe by the Italians. In the East, India, Sumatra, and Java have been celebrated for the high excellence to which they have arrived in the prosecution o this art. When the gold or silver has arrived at a molten state, it is drawn into wire on ah an Fig. 1009. - FILIGREE ORNAMENT. (From a drawing by M. Mariana, in the Florence exhibition, 1861.) vil, and then twisted. After twisting, it is hammered down again into a flat state, and formed into the shape of flowers and leaves. When the filigree is finished, it is cleansed by boiling in water with common salt and alum, or occasionally lime-juice. This work is chiefly done in Malta, Sardinia, and the Ionian Islands.