lituus

American  

[lit-yoo-uhs] / ˈlɪt yu əs /

noun

litui plural

1. Geometry. a polar curve generated by the locus of a point moving so that the square of its radius vector varies inversely as the angle the radius vector makes with the polar axis. Equation: θr 2 = a.

2. (in ancient Rome) a crook-shaped staff used by augurs for divination.

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Etymology

Origin of lituus

1605–15; < Latin; geometrical sense from the curve's resemblance to such a staff

Example Sentences

The Roman lituus, the chief ensign of the augurs, became the crozier.

From History of the Conflict Between Religion and Science by Draper, John William

Eckhel infers from the guttus and lituus on one of Sulla's coins that he was an Augur.

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

The Christian crozier is the Etruscan and Roman lituus, or "divining staff."

From Ancient Faiths And Modern A Dissertation upon Worships, Legends and Divinities by Inman, Thomas

CROZIER, or pastoral staff, one of the insignia of a bishop, and probably derived from the lituus of the Roman augurs.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 7, Slice 7 "Crocoite" to "Cuba" by Various

It is uncertain whether the horn intended was straight, like the Assyrian, or curved, like the Roman cornu and lituus.

From The Seven Great Monarchies Of The Ancient Eastern World, Vol 4. (of 7): Babylon The History, Geography, And Antiquities Of Chaldaea, Assyria, Babylon, Media, Persia, Parthia, And Sassanian or New Persian Empire; With Maps and Illustrations. by Rawlinson, George