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.

---

prytaneum British  

/ ˌprɪtəˈniːəm /

noun

1. the public hall of a city in ancient Greece

---

Etymology

Origin of prytaneum

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

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

prytaneum

The prytaneum and the state were convertible terms.

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

Another peculiarity of Solon's laws was the public dining-table in the prytaneum.

From Plutarch's Lives, Volume I by Aubrey Stewart

Thus the prytaneum grew into a religious institution.

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

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