Illustrated Companion to the Latin Dictionary/Comissatio

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

COMISSA'TIO (κῶμος, συμπόσιον). A revelling, feasting, or drinking bout, commencing after the coena, and often protracted to a late hour of the night. (Varro, L. L. vii. 89. Liv. xl 13. Cic. Cael. 15. Suet. Tit. 7.) Greek scenes of this nature are frequently represented on fictile vases. (Mus. Borb. v. 51. Millin. Vas. Ant. ii. 58. Tischbein. ii. 55. Wink. Mon. Ined. 200.), in which the lateness of the hour is indicated by the introduction of candelabra, the festivity by the presence of Comus and winged genii, and the debauchery by the mixed company of courtesans, dancing, playing, and singing girls.