Illustrated Companion to the Latin Dictionary/Aclis

Illustrated Companion to the Latin Dictionary, and Greek Lexicon (Rich, 1849)

AC'LIS or ACLYS. A massive weapon used by the Osci, and some foreign nations, but not by the Greeks or Romans (Virg. Aen. vii. 730. Sil. Ital. iii. 363.). It appears to have been a sort of harpoon; for it consisted of a short thick stock set with spikes, and attached to a line, so that it might be recovered again after it had been launched (Serv. ad Virg. l. c.); but it was only known to Servius by tradition, having fallen into disuse long before his time.