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” ( clinic ) + -ion diminutive suffix

Example Sentences

It is a summer triclinium, in plan like that which has been mentioned in the preceding chapter, but much more elegantly decorated.

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

Here is that same triclinium where thy guests were wont to assemble when thou didst invite them to thy banquets.

From Pharos, The Egyptian A Romance by Boothby, Guy

The dancers sprang into the centre of the triclinium, whirling swiftly, as if possessed of a fever.

From Sónnica by Blasco Ibáñez, Vicente

Nor did they recline at meals, as the Romans, on a triclinium, though couches and ottomans formed part of the furniture of an Egyptian.

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

S�nnica had disappeared long before, leaving the triclinium, supported by a slave without lifting her head from Act�on's shoulder.

From Sónnica by Blasco Ibáñez, Vicente