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ALIC´ULA

ALIC´ULA a short cloak coming down to the elbows, mentioned by Ulpian (Dig. 34, 2, 23) as proper to boys, by Petronius (Sat. 40) as worn by a hunter, and by Martial (12.82) as an inexpensive present. It was so called, according to Velius Longus (Putsch, p. 2230), quod alas nobis iniecta contineat; according to Ferrarius, from its collar or cape. Rich, however, derives the name from its resemblance to wings when fastened by a brooch and floating behind the back. There seems to be no reason for connecting the word with the chlamys ἄλληξ or ἄλλιξ. Saglio identifies the alicula with a garment worn by shepherds and countrymen in works of art, and by the Good Shepherd on sarcophagi and paintings in the catacombs, sometimes opening in front, and sometimes furnished with a small cape.

[J.H.F]

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    • Martial, Epigrammata, 12.82
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