Illustrated Companion to the Latin Dictionary/Bura

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

BU'RA or BU'RIS (γύης). The plough tail (Varro, R. R. i. 19. 2.); i. e. the hinder part of an ancient plough formed out of the branch of a tree, or a single piece of timber, bent at one end into a curve (Virg. Georg. i. 169.), like an ox's tail (βοὸς οὐρὰ), from which resemblance the Latin name originated. (Serv. ad Virg. l. c. Isidor. Orig. xx. 14. 2.) The illustration (Bura/1.1) represents an ancient plough, from an engraved gem; the bent part on the left hand is the bura; the short hook under it, shod with iron, acted as the share (vomer); the upright stock, formed by a natural branch growing out in an opposite direction, the handle (stiva), by which the ploughman guided his machine; and the straight end, proceeding horizontally from the curve, a pole (temo), to which the oxen were attached. Compare also ARATRUM, 2., where the same part is shown upon a Greek plough of improved construction at the letters A A.

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  Bura/1.1