phalera

[ fal-er-uh ]

noun

, plural phal·er·ae [fal, -, uh, -ree].

1. a metal disk or boss worn on a man's breast as an ornament or as a military decoration or used to adorn the harness of a horse.

Word History and Origins

Origin of phalera¹

1600–10; < Latin, singular use of Greek phálara (plural) cheek-pieces

Example Sentences

I desire you to look upon it as a voluntary Fault and a Trespass against Conviction: 'Tis one of those Things which are ad Populum Phaleræ, and by no means inserted to please such Men as you.

From Project Gutenberg

Cnaeus Ostorius Geta, the hero of the first riverside fight in Britain, was allowed to triumph in consular fashion, though not yet of consular rank; and an inscription found at Turin speaks of collars, gauntlets and phalera bestowed on one Caius Gavius, along with a golden wreath for Distinguished Service.

From Project Gutenberg