A Smaller Dictionary of Greek and Roman Antiquities

by William Smith

LINTER, a light boat, frequently formed of the trunk of a tree, and drawing little water.

LĬTHOSTRŌTA. [[Domus], [p. 144].]

LITRA λίτρα, a Sicilian silver coin, equal in value to the Aeginetan obol.

Lituus, Augur’s Staff. (Centre figure from an Etruscan sculpture; the two others are Roman coins.)

LĬTUUS, probably an Etruscan word signifying crooked.—(1) The crooked staff borne by the augurs, with which they divided the expanse of heaven, when viewed with reference to divination (templum), into regions (regiones).—(2) A sort of trumpet slightly curved at the extremity. It differed both from the tuba and the cornu, the former being straight, while the latter was bent round into a spiral shape. Its tones are usually characterised as harsh and shrill. The Liticines, or blowers on the Lituus, formed a Collegium along with the Cornicines. [[Cornu].]

Lituus, Trumpet. (From Fabretti.)

LIXAE. [[Calones].]