spolia opima

[ spoh-lee-uh oh-pahy-muh, -pee-; Latin spaw-li-ah aw-pee-mah ]

plural noun

1. (in ancient Rome) the arms taken by a victorious general from the leader of a defeated army.

Word History and Origins

Origin of spolia opima¹

From Latin spolia opīma “rich spoils”

Example Sentences

Cornelius Cossus, having killed Tolumnius, king of the Veientes, offers the second spolia opima.

From Project Gutenberg

By far the most remarkable object in the triumph was Cossus, bearing the spolia opima of the king he had slain.

From Project Gutenberg

He knew, as all these others knew and as all the world knows, that a beautiful woman is above all things spolia opima of war.

From Project Gutenberg

To him the richest spoils of war (spolia opima) were due, and to him the conqueror gave thanks on his return from battle.

From Project Gutenberg

The spoils were called spolia opima, according to Varro, because opim means excellence.

From Project Gutenberg