Concise Oxford Dictionary of Archaeology (431 page)

A dwelling house or homestead and the land occupied by it. The capital messuage of an estate is the chief or most important house.

 
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An electronic device used specifically for the detection of buried metal objects. Hand-held metal detectors began to be manufactured in large numbers during the mid 1970s and sold to create the basis of a hobby interest in finding old things. Human interest in discovering ancient things coupled with an extensive and lucrative market in ancient artefacts led to a great deal of damage to archaeological sites and to hostility between metal detector users and archaeologists. While a good deal of work is well conducted and the finds properly logged and reported there remains a criminal element who loot protected sites and sell what they find.

 
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The hard-packed surface of a road, track, or street, usually comprising layers of rammed gravel and stone and often showing signs of repair and patching. In some cases cobblestones or paving blocks may be laid down to provide a very robust metalling.

 
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The study of metals and the metalworking process through the examination of finished products, manufacturing waste, tools and equipment connected with manufacture, and the raw materials used.

 
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Metalworking in all its aspects; the art of working metals.

 
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American term for the base or lower grinding stone of a two-part mill for preparing plant food. The upper, movable stone is a
MANO
. Found in many shapes and sizes, and made from any coarse-grained rock that will work well as an abrasive surface.

 
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