paenula

[ peen-yuh-luh ]

noun

, plural pae·nu·lae [peen, -y, uh, -lee], pae·nu·las.

1. a long, circular cloak, sleeveless and often hooded, worn by the poorer classes in ancient Rome.

Word History and Origins

Origin of paenula¹

Borrowed into English from Latin around 1745–55

Example Sentences

Soon afterwards he set out on his first literary journey: “quod quidem tam pauper suscepi,” he ingenuously declares, “ut pro paenula quam portabam solvere non possem;” and, while busily engaged on Cod.

From Project Gutenberg

The absence of the hood might also be taken as additional proof of the derivation of the phaina from the paenula, but I should not lay particular stress upon it.

From Project Gutenberg

The paenula, which was the garment most commonly worn, especially by soldiers when engaged on peace duties, was an oblong piece of cloth with a hole in the centre for the neck; a hood was usually attached to the back.

From Project Gutenberg

I M. Centenius fuit cognomine Paenula, insignis inter primipili centuriones et magnitudine corporis et animo.

From Project Gutenberg

A little group, in gray paenula and veils, were watching from without the crowd.

From Project Gutenberg