triclinium

American  

[trahy-klin-ee-uhm] / traɪˈklɪn i əm /

noun

Roman History.

plural

triclinia

1. a couch extending along three sides of a table, for reclining on at meals.

2. a dining room, especially one containing such a couch.

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triclinium British  

/ traɪˈklɪnɪəm /

noun

1. an arrangement of three couches around a table for reclining upon while dining

2. a dining room, esp one containing such an arrangement of couches

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Etymology

Origin of triclinium

First recorded in 1640–50; from Latin trīclīnium, from Greek triklī́nion, diminutive of tríklīnos “having three couches (adjective), dining room so furnished (noun),” equivalent to tri- tri- + klī́n(ē) “couch” ( see clinic) + -ion diminutive suffix

Example Sentences

We have elsewhere described the Roman dining hall, or triclinium.

From Roman Women by Brittain, Alfred

Manlius remained a long time in the triclinium, lost in thought.

From A Christian But a Roman by Jókai, Mór

At the bottom of the peristyle, on the right, is a triclinium.

From Museum of Antiquity A Description of Ancient Life by Haines, T. L. (Thomas Louis)

His description of the triclinium of Scaurus will give the reader the best notion of the style in which such an apartment was furnished and ornamented.

From Museum of Antiquity A Description of Ancient Life by Haines, T. L. (Thomas Louis)

The first of these is the famous mosaic of the Lateran triclinium, constructed by Pope Leo III., about A.D.

From Walks in Rome by Hare, Augustus J. C.