Illustrated Companion to the Latin Dictionary/Clibanus

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

CLI'BANUS (κλίβανος or κρίβανος). A covered vessel, made wider at bottom than top (Columell. v. 10. 4.), and pierced all round with small holes (Dioscor. ii. 81. and 96.); employed for various purposes, but more especially for baking bread. (Plin. H. N. xix. 3.) When in use, it was enveloped in hot ashes, the warmth of which penetrated through the perforations in a more regular and even temperature than could be produced by the ordinary oven. The usual material was earthenware; but when Trimalchio has his bread baked in a silver clibanus (Pet. Sat. 35. 6.), it is intended as an instance of ridiculous ostentation.