Illustrated Companion to the Latin Dictionary/Cubiculum

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

CUBIC'ULUM. Literally, a room furnished with a sofa or bed; whence it became a general term for any such room in a private house, whether used as a sitting or sleeping-room (Plin. Ep. i. 3. 1. cubicula nocturna et diurna, Id. ii. 17. 21. Plaut. Most. iii. 2. 7.); for the Romans were much in the habit of reposing upon sofas in the day-time at their studies, meals, siestas, and receptions.

2. The emperor's box at the Circus or amphitheatre, wherein he reclined in state to view the games (Suet. Nero, 12. Plin. Paneg. 51), instead of sitting on the open podium, as was usual in more simple times.