Illustrated Companion to the Latin Dictionary/Cursor

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

CURSOR (σταδιεύς, σταδιοδρόμος). A runner, who runs a race in the stadium. (Cic. Tusc. ii. 23. Nepos, Milt. 4.) The female figure introduced s. STROPHIUM, 1. is believed to represent a Spartan damsel equipped for the foot-race.

2. A racing-jockey. (Ovid. Pont. iii. 9. 26.) See CELES.

3. A private postman or messenger who carries letters on foot, or on horseback (Mart. iii. 100. Suet. Nero, 49.); more specially termed TABELLARIUS, which see.

4. A slave kept by great people to precede their carriages on foot, similar to the running footman of modern Europe. Seneca, Epist. 126. Mart. Ep. iii. 47. 14.