Illustrated Companion to the Latin Dictionary/Cornicularius

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

CORNICULA'RIUS. Strictly, a soldier who had been presented by his general with the corniculum; whence the name was given as a title to an assistant officer, or adjutant, who acted for the consul or tribune; probably because the person so promoted was always selected from amongst those who had received the above-named reward. Suet. Dom. 17. Val. Max. vi. 1. 11.

2. Hence the word came also to be applied in civil matters to a clerk or secretary, who acted as the assistant of a magistrate. Cod. Theodos. 7. 4. 32.