, meaning a tiny stone (from ' sharp stone), indicates a weight of of a
Roman ounce (i.e.) or, by extension, of other measures. Metaphorically, the stone is thought to be sharp and pricking, like a thorn.
* As a weight or a coin, of an , or of an
as; i.e. 1.14 grams
* As a measure of land, of a ; i.e. about
* As a measure of time, part of an hour, or minutes.
[M. AUREL. d.; FRONT. Caes. 2, 9]
The forms ', ', ' and ' can be found, being also associated with the lines on a draughtboard.
See also
*
Roman currency
Roman currency for most of Roman history consisted of gold, silver, bronze, orichalcum and copper coinage. From its introduction to the Republic, during the third century BC, well into Imperial times, Roman currency saw many changes in form, de ...
References
, Hachette 1934
Coins of ancient Rome
Ancient Roman units of measurement
Units of mass
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