lituus

[ lit-yoo-uhs ]

noun

, plural lit·u·i [lit, -yoo-ahy].

1. Geometry. a polar curve generated by the locus of a point moving so that the square of its radius vector varies inversely as the angle the radius vector makes with the polar axis. Equation: θr 2 = a.
2. (in ancient Rome) a crook-shaped staff used by augurs for divination.

Word History and Origins

Origin of lituus¹

1605–15; < Latin; geometrical sense from the curve's resemblance to such a staff

Example Sentences

The lituus, or cavalry trumpet of the Romans, consisted of a cylindrical tube, to which was attached a bent horn or conical bell, the whole in the shape of a J. The long, straight Roman tuba was similar to the large, bent cornu so far as bore and capabilities were concerned, but more unwieldy.

From Project Gutenberg

CROZIER, or pastoral staff, one of the insignia of a bishop, and probably derived from the lituus of the Roman augurs.

From Project Gutenberg

Lituus, li-tū′us, n. an augur's staff with recurved top: a spiral of similar form.—adjs.

From Project Gutenberg

The Christian crozier is the Etruscan and Roman lituus, or "divining staff."

From Project Gutenberg

I may also add, in passing, that the crozier borne by Romanist bishops is a reproduction of the Etruscan lituus, the augurs' or diviners' staff of office.

From Project Gutenberg