AUREOLA

AUREOLA, the Crown of Glory given by Painters and Statuaries to Saints, Martyrs, and Confessors; as a Mark of the Victory which they have obtained. See CROWN. F. Sirmond says, the Custom hereof was borrowed from the Heathens, who used to encompass the Heads of their Deities with such Rays. The Word Aureola, in its Original, signified a Jewel which was proposed as the Prize of a Dispute; and was given as the Reward of Victory. Among the Romish School-Divines, Aureola is supposed to be a special Reward bestowed on Martyrs, Virgins, Doctors, and other Saints, on account of their Works of Supererogation.

AUREOLA