triclinium

[ trahy-klin-ee-uhm ]

noun

, Roman History.

, plural tri·clin·i·a [trahy-, klin, -ee-, uh].

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.

triclinium

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of triclinium¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of triclinium¹

C17: from Latin, from Greek triklinion , from tri- + klinē a couch

Example Sentences

They enter the triclinium in the midst of the banquet; they crawl over the viands and spoil what they do not devour.

From Project Gutenberg

The passage itself abutted in Dea Flavia's house on one of the small rooms that lay round the triclinium.

From Project Gutenberg

As Acton appeared in the triclinium some slaves fled, fearing lest they should be punished for their curiosity.

From Project Gutenberg

They were slaves who, excited by the feast, continued beneath the open sky the scenes of the triclinium.

From Project Gutenberg

Four enormous bronze lampadaries occupied the corners of the triclinium.

From Project Gutenberg