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Webster 1913 Edition

Congiary

Con′gi-a-ry

,
Noun.
;
pl.
Congiaries
(#)
.
[L.
congiarium
, fr.
congius
a liquid measure.]
A present, as of corn, wine, or oil, made by a Roman emperor to the soldiers or the people; – so called because measured to each in a congius.
Addison.
☞ In later years, when gifts of money were distributed, the name congius was retained.

Webster 1828 Edition

Congiary

CONGIARY

,
Noun.
[L.] Properly, a present made by the Roman emperors to the people; originally in corn or wine measured out to them in a congius, a vessel holding a gallon or rather more. In present usage, a gift or a donative represented on a medal.

Definition 2024

congiary

congiary

English

Noun

congiary ‎(plural congiaries)

  1. A present of corn, wine, oil, etc. or later of money, made by a Roman emperor to the soldiers or the people.
    (Can we find and add a quotation of Addison to this entry?)

Etymology

From Latin congiarium, from congius ‎(“a liquid measure”).

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