lares and penates

American  

plural noun

1. Roman Religion. Lares and Penates, the benevolent spirits and gods of the household.

2. the cherished possessions of a family or household.

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lares and penates British  

/ ˈlɑː-, ˈlɛəriːz /

plural noun

1. Roman myth

   1. household gods

   2. statues of these gods kept in the home

2. the valued possessions of a household

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Etymology

Origin of lares and penates

1765–75; < Latin Larēs ( et ) Penātēs

Example Sentences

Her lares and penates range from Ella Fitzgerald to Frank Sinatra and Peggy Lee.

From Time Magazine Archive

I decided to go and protect my lares and penates, trivial though they might be.

From Kitty's Conquest by King, Charles

Bear it reverently to your home, hang it among your lares and penates, cherish it, and dying, mention it within your will, bequeathing it as a rich legacy unto your issue!

From Lone Star Planet by Piper, H. Beam

"Jove," he murmured, "it's good to be back again to the lares and penates."

From Fairfax and His Pride by Vorst, Marie Van

Here were her lares and penates; and she was a goddess among lesser household gods.

From The Car of Destiny by Both, Armand