quadriga

American  

[kwo-dree-guh, -drahy-] / kwɒˈdri gə, -ˈdraɪ- /

noun

Classical Antiquity.

plural

quadrigae

1. a two-wheeled chariot drawn by four horses harnessed abreast.

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quadriga British  

/ kwɒˈdriːɡə /

noun

1. (in the classical world) a two-wheeled chariot drawn by four horses abreast

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Etymology

Origin of quadriga

1720–30; < Latin quadrīga, earlier plural quadrīgae, contraction of quadrijugae a team of four; cf. quadri-, yoke ¹

Example Sentences

On the apex of the roof was a quadriga, a blatant symbol of martial triumph depicting four horses being driven by Jupiter himself.

From The Guardian • Mar. 15, 2016

In classical times, the quadriga was a four-horse chariot used for racing -- or even driven by the goddess Nike.

From The Guardian • Jul. 27, 2015

The quadriga - as such a statue is known, after the original triumphal classical grouping from which all modern ones derive - is everywhere in Berlin.

From BBC • May 18, 2012

So, the quadriga: peaceful or warlike, facing east or west?

From BBC • May 18, 2012

Upon one medal or coin of Constantine we see the significant legend Soli Invicto Aeterno Aug. inscribed around the quadriga of the Sun-God Phœbus.

From The Non-Christian Cross An Enquiry into the Origin and History of the Symbol Eventually Adopted as That of Our Religion by Parsons, John Denham