Brennus

(bren'nus,) a Gallic chieftain who figures in the legendary history of Rome. Having obtained, it is said, a victory over the Romans at the Allia, he marched on their city, which he took and pillaged. After blockading the capital for some months, he was offered1,000 lbs. weight of gold to spare the city. While the gold was being weighed he threw his sword and helmet into the opposite scale, exclaiming " Vævictis! " Woe to the vanquished! Enraged at this insolence, Camillus, according to the legend, put an end to the negotiation, gave battle to the Gauls, and totally defeated and destroyed the whole host, abt. 382 B. c. [s. 115]