Illustrated Companion to the Latin Dictionary/Clavatus

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

CLAVA'TUS. Striped with gold, purple, or other colours. It was customary amongst the Romans to weave stripes of this nature into their cloth fabrics, both such as were intended to be made up into garments (Vopisc. Bonos. 15.), as those which were manufactured for mere household purposes, such as table linen, napkins, &c. Lamprid. Alex. Sev. 37. CLAVUS, 8, 9.

2. Studded with nails, in reference to boots and shoes (Festus, s. v. Clavata), implying either that the sole is set thick with hob-nails, like the example (Clavatus/2.1), representing the sole or underneath part of a terra-cotta lamp made in the form of a shoe; or that it is armed with sharp projecting points, like the soldier's boot (caliga), which is represented by the illustration to CLAVUS, 5.

3. Covered with prickles, spikes, or projections, like a mace or club.

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  Clavatus/2.1