spolia opima

American  

[spoh-lee-uh oh-pahy-muh, -pee-, spaw-li-ah aw-pee-mah] / ˈspoʊ li ə oʊˈpaɪ mə, -ˈpi-, ˈspɔ lɪˌɑ ɔˈpi mɑ /

plural noun

1. (in ancient Rome) the arms taken by a victorious general from the leader of a defeated army.

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Etymology

Origin of spolia opima

From Latin spolia opīma “rich spoils”

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

spolia opima

Paul Keg worthy, the raggedest of them all, with nothing to recommend him but his ridiculous exotic beauty and the paper and wooden spolia opima of the vanquished, stood before them, a tattered Caesar.

From The Fortunate Youth by Locke, William John

These were her trophies, the spolia opima of the campaign.

From The Wings of the Morning by Tracy, Louis

I but made the hares double to your coursing," said Hostilius, carelessly; "and they tell me you have won both the spolia opima and a civic crown.

From The Lion's Brood by Osborne, Duffield

I would fain overtake these robbers that we may relieve them of their spolia opima, together with any other wealth which they may have unlawfully amassed.

From Micah Clarke His Statement as made to his three grandchildren Joseph, Gervas and Reuben During the Hard Winter of 1734 by Doyle, Arthur Conan, Sir

This dedication of spolia opima is reserved as a privilege for a general who has slain the opposing general with his own hand.

From Plutarch's Lives, Volume I by Stewart, Aubrey