balteus

American  

[bal-tee-uhs, bawl-] / ˈbæl ti əs, ˈbɔl- /

noun

plural

baltei

1. (on an Ionic capital) the horizontal band connecting the volutes on either side.

2. (in an ancient Roman amphitheater) a horizontal walk dividing upper and lower tiers.

---

Etymology

Origin of balteus

First recorded in 1720–30; from Latin: literally, “belt, girdle,” said by the Romans to be of Etruscan origin

Example Sentences

"Hasten hence," she said, throwing her ample himation around her sister's shoulders, and fastening the golden balteus about her hips.

From A Christian But a Roman by Jókai, Mór

The girdle which sustains the sword of the Roman officer—cingulum zona, or rather cinctorium—as also the baldric, from balteus, passed over the shoulder and was intended to support the weapon of the common soldier.

From The Great Events by Famous Historians, Volume 05 (From Charlemagne to Frederick Barbarossa) by Horne, Charles F. (Charles Francis)

L. balteus belt, from certain straits or channels surrounding its isles, called belts.

From Webster's Unabridged Dictionary (2nd 100 Pages) by Webster, Noah

In trembling terror the Christian maiden seized her gold balteus, as it were from instinct, without remembering her sister's hint.

From A Christian But a Roman by Jókai, Mór