Illustrated Companion to the Latin Dictionary/Cohors

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

CO'HORS. Same as CHORS. Varro, R. R. iii. 3. Ovid. Fast. iv. 704.

2. A cohort, or body of infantry soldiers, constituting the tenth part of a legion, but which varied in numbers at different periods of the Roman history, accordingly as the legion itself was increased in numerical strength. Varro, L. L. v. 88. Cincius, ap. Gell. xvi. 4. 4. Caes. B. G. iii. 1.

3. The term is sometimes used to distinguish the allied and auxiliary troops from those of the legion; by which it is inferred, that in early times such troops were arranged in cohorts instead of maniples. Florus, iii. 21. Liv. ii. 64. Id. xxiii. 14.

4. Also, in some cases, for a troop or squadron of cavalry, but of what precise number is uncertain, Plin. Ep. x. 106. Virg. Aen. xi. 500.

5. Praetoria cohors. A body of picked men, selected from the legionaries, who formed a sort of bodyguard to the consul, or commander under the republic; but became a permanent corps du garde under the emperors. See PRAETORIANUS.