praetexta

American  

[pree-tek-stuh] / priˈtɛk stə /

Or pretexta

noun

plural

praetextae

1. (in ancient Rome) a white toga with a broad purple border, worn by priests and magistrates as an official costume, and by certain other Romans as ceremonial dress.

2. a similar garment worn by a boy until he assumed the toga virilis, or by a girl until she married.

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Etymology

Origin of praetexta

1595–1605; < Latin, short for toga praetexta literally, bordered toga. See pretext

Example Sentences

There are eight complete tragedies and one praetexta, the Octavia, which is generally supposed to be by a later hand, as well as considerable fragments from the Thebais and Phoenissae.

From The History of Roman Literature From the earliest period to the death of Marcus Aurelius by Cruttwell, Charles Thomas

Octavia, a late praetexta ascribed to Seneca, was certainly not written by him.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 8, Slice 6 "Dodwell" to "Drama" by Various

We know of but twelve tragedies and one praetexta by him.

From The History of Roman Literature From the earliest period to the death of Marcus Aurelius by Cruttwell, Charles Thomas

Its only interest is as the single extant specimen of the fabula praetexta, or drama with a Roman subject and characters.

From Latin Literature by Mackail, J. W. (John William)

Fulvius’ victory gave the poet materials for the praetexta Ambracia, and Book xv. of the Annals.

From The Student's Companion to Latin Authors by Middleton, George