lituus

American  

[lit-yoo-uhs] / ˈlɪt yu əs /

noun

plural

litui

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

A lion's skin, with the head and claws attached, form a sort of drapery, and the introduction of the thyrsus, the lituus, and three bacchanalian masks on each side, complete the embellishments.

From The Mirror of Literature, Amusement, and Instruction Volume 13, No. 366, April 18, 1829 by Various

This staff is curved at one end, and is called lituus.

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

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

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

The usual form of taking an augury was very solemn; the augur ascended a tower, bearing in his hand a curved stick called a lituus.

From Pinnock's improved edition of Dr. Goldsmith's History of Rome to which is prefixed an introduction to the study of Roman history, and a great variety of valuable information added throughout the work, on the manners, institutions, and antiquities of the Romans; with numerous biographical and historical notes; and questions for examination at the end of each section. By Wm. C. Taylor. by Pinnock, William