prytaneum

American  

[prit-n-ee-uhm] / ˌprɪt nˈi əm /

noun

1. a public building in ancient Greece, containing the symbolic hearth of the community and commonly resembling a private dwelling in plan, used as a community meeting place and as a lodging for guests of the community.

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prytaneum British  

/ ˌprɪtəˈniːəm /

noun

1. the public hall of a city in ancient Greece

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Etymology

Origin of prytaneum

1590–1600; < Latin prytanēum < Greek prytaneîon, akin to prýtanis prince, ruler, chief

Example Sentences

The use of a common prytaneum, of circular form, like the Roman temple of Vesta, testified to the common origin of the North American Assinais and Maichas.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 10, Slice 4 "Finland" to "Fleury, Andre" by Various

As Hestia had her home in the prytaneum, special temples dedicated to her are of rare occurrence.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 13, Slice 4 "Hero" to "Hindu Chronology" by Various

And no spoon may be brought into the prytaneum.

From The Deipnosophists, or Banquet of the Learned of Athen?us by Athen?us

According to Cicero, a bronze statue of Sappho, made by Silanion, stood in the prytaneum at Syracuse, and was stolen by Verres.

From Greek Women by Carroll, Mitchell

These men you should entertain at the prytaneum, not put under indictment.

From The German Classics of the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries, Volume 10 Prince Otto Von Bismarck, Count Helmuth Von Moltke, Ferdinand Lassalle by Francke, Kuno