balteus

[ bal-tee-uhs, bawl- ]

noun

, plural bal·te·i [bal, -tee-ahy, bawl, -].

1. (on an Ionic capital) the horizontal band connecting the volutes on either side.
2. (in an ancient Roman amphitheater) a horizontal walk dividing upper and lower tiers.

Word History and Origins

Origin of balteus¹

First recorded in 1720–30; from Latin: literally, “belt, girdle,” said by the Romans to be of Etruscan origin

Example Sentences

The Latin balteus and balteum are, I believe, the origin of the word.

From Project Gutenberg

Under the balteus which I fastened around you is a sharp dagger.

From Project Gutenberg