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Webster 1913 Edition
Patera
‖
Pat′e-ra
,Noun.
pl.
Pateræ
([GREEK]). [L., fr.
patere
to lie open.] 1.
A saucerlike vessel of earthenware or metal, used by the Greeks and Romans in libations and sacrifices.
2.
(Arch.)
A circular ornament, resembling a dish, often worked in relief on friezes, and the like.