Illustrated Companion to the Latin Dictionary/Coena

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

COE'NA (δεῖπνον). The principal daily meal of the Romans; and, consequently, better translated by our word dinner than supper, which is more commonly applied. It was the third meal taken in the day, i. e. after the breakfast (jentaculum) and the luncheon (prandium or merenda), the most usual hour being about three P.M. of our time; though the particular habits of different individuals might induce some to dine at an earlier, and others at a later hour. Plaut. Cic. Petr. Suet., &c.

2. Prima, altera, tertia coena. The first, second, or third remove of dishes, or courses at a dinner. Mart. Ep. xi. 31.