Plural of hectylus; in ancient Greek architecture and textiles, ornamental bands or borders, particularly on garments.
From Greek 'hektylus' (ἑκτύλος), possibly combining 'hektos' (sixth) with a related root, though the etymology is uncertain. The term appears in descriptions of ancient Greek and Roman decorative arts.
Hectyli are so specialized that almost no one uses the term anymore—they're basically archaeological jargon for fancy decorative trim that ancient Greeks sewed onto their clothes. It's a word that lost its job when fashion changed.
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