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(Greek mythology) messenger and herald of the gods; god of commerce and cunning and invention and theft; identified with Roman Mercury

(Greek mythology) messenger and herald of the gods; god of commerce and cunning and invention and theft; identified with Roman Mercury

See Mercury.

Originally, a boundary stone dedicated to Hermes as the god of boundaries, and therefore bearing in some cases a head, or head and shoulders, placed upon a quadrangular pillar whose height is that of the body belonging to the head, sometimes having feet or other parts of the body sculptured upon it. These figures, though often representing Hermes, were used for other divinities, and even, in later times, for portraits of human beings. Called also herma. See Terminal statue, under Terminal.

See Mercury.

See Mercury.

See Mercury.

n. In Greek mythology, Mercury;—in archaeology, a stone or pillar having the head of Hermes sculptured on the top, placed by the Greeks in front of buildings; and used by the Romans as a boundary or landmark.