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 p928  Pluteus

Unsigned article on p928 of

William Smith, D.C.L., LL.D.:
A Dictionary of Greek and Roman Antiquities, John Murray, London, 1875.

PLU′TEUS, appears to have signified in general any kind of protection or shelter, and was hence used in the following special significations:— 1. A kind of shed made of hurdles and covered with raw hides, which could be moved forward by small wheels attached to it, and under which the besiegers of a town made their approaches (Festus, s.v.; Veget. IV.15; Liv. XXXIV.17). 2. A parapet or breastwork made of boards and similar materials, placed on the vallum of a camp, on moveable towers or other military engines, on rafts, the decks of ships, &c. (Festus, s.v.; Caes. Bell. Gall. VII.25, 41, 72, Bell. Civ. I.25). 3. The board at the side of a bed. The side at which a person entered the bed was open and called sponda: the other side, which was protected by a board, was called pluteus (Suet. Cal. 26; Martial. III.91). [Lectus, p674B]. 4. Cases of some kind upon the walls of houses on which small statues and busts were placed (Dig. 29 tit. 1 s17; Juv. II.7).


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Page updated: 26 May 18