congiary Meaning, Definition & Usage

Con"gi*a*ry noun

Etymology

L. congiarium, fr. congius a liquid measure.

Wordforms

plural Congiaries

Definitions

1. A present, as of corn, wine, or oil, made by a Roman emperor to the soldiers or the people; -- so called because measured to each in a congius. Addison. ✍ In later years, when gifts of money were distributed, the name congius was retained.