suppedaneum

[ suhp-i-dey-nee-uhm ]

noun

, plural sup·pe·da·ne·a [suhp-i-, dey, -nee-, uh].

1. a shelf affixed to a cross for supporting the feet of the crucified.

Word History and Origins

Origin of suppedaneum¹

1860–65; < Medieval Latin, noun use of neuter of Late Latin suppedāneus under the feet, equivalent to sup- sup- + ped- (stem of pēs ) foot + -āneus ( -ān ( us ) -an + -eus -eous )

Example Sentences

Suppedaneum, sup-ē-dā′nē-um, n. a foot-rest on a cross or crucifix.—adj.

From Project Gutenberg