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Boss

A protruding ornament (on a binding), usually of metal. When applied to a binding it serves a protective function.

A protruding ornament (on a binding), usually of metal. When applied to a binding it serves a protective function. Metalwork plaques are known to have adorned bindings from the Early Christian period on, but prominent raised bosses appear to have become popular during the fifteenth century.

  • Arabic:
    مسمار كبير
  • French:
    Boulon; Ombilic (center boss); Bossette; Bouillon; Cabochon
  • German:
    Beschlag (Mittelbeschlag, Eckbeschlag)
  • Italian:
    Borchia; Borchia centrale; Bullone; Brocca; Coppa; Bulletta
  • Portuguese:
    cravos
  • Spanish:
    bullón; cabujón

Michelle Brown. Understanding Illuminated Manuscripts (Malibu, CA: J. Paul Getty Museum in association with the British Library, c1994).