suppedaneum

[ suhp-i-dey-nee-uhm ]

noun

, plural sup·pe·da·ne·a [suhp-i-, dey, -nee-, uh].

1. a shelf affixed to a cross for supporting the feet of the crucified.

Word History and Origins

Origin of suppedaneum¹

1860–65; < Medieval Latin, noun use of neuter of Late Latin suppedāneus under the feet, equivalent to sup- sup- + ped- (stem of pēs ) foot + -āneus ( -ān ( us ) -an + -eus -eous )

Example Sentences

The suppedaneum, or support for the feet, is generally represented.

From Project Gutenberg

If a certain ludicrous inscription be ancient, such a stone was called suppedaneum; but this word occurs nowhere else1352.

From Project Gutenberg