Miniature

Webster's Dictionary

(1): ( v.) Greatly diminished size or form; reduced scale.

(2): ( v.) Originally, a painting in colors such as those in mediaeval manuscripts; in modern times, any very small painting, especially a portrait.

(3): ( v.) Lettering in red; rubric distinction.

(4): ( v.) A particular feature or trait.

(5): ( a.) Being on a small; much reduced from the reality; as, a miniature copy.

(6): ( v. t.) To represent or depict in a small compass, or on a small scale.

Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature

is a picture illustrating the text of a MS.; so called because filling up the outline sketched in vermilion (minimum).