angusticlave
Definitions
from The Century Dictionary and Cyclopedia
- noun A narrow purple stripe or band reaching from the shoulder to the bottom of the tunic on each side, worn regularly by members of the Roman equestrian order, and sometimes by those of inferior rank who had the means to provide it. It was woven in the fabric, and is rarely indicated in sculpture.
Examples
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There were the hostess and her daughter; three young noblemen, the purple stripes on each angusticlave telling of knightly rank; a Jewish prince in purple and gold; an old philosopher, and a poet who had been reading love lines.
Vergilius A Tale of the Coming of Christ, by Irving Bacheller
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His father was one Suetonius Lenis, a military tribune and wearer of the angusticlave.
The History of Roman Literature, by Charles Thomas Cruttwell, M.A.
Note
This word comes from the Latin ‘angustus,’ narrow, plus ‘clava,’ knotty stick.
