Illustrated Companion to the Latin Dictionary/Diabathrum

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

DIABATH'RUM (διάβαθρον). A particular kind of slipper or sandal (solea) of Greek original (Festus, s. v.); respecting which nothing further is known, than that it was especially characteristic of the female sex (Eustath. ad Hom. Od. v. 9.); whence, if attributed to males, as by Naevius (ap. Varro, L. L. vii. 53.), it is only in ridicule, and pointedly meant to designate an effeminate style of dress. From this it may be inferred that Pollux is mistaken when he makes it common to both sexes. Onomast. vii. 90.