CLĀVUS LĀTUS

CLĀVUS ANGUSTUS. The clavus , as an article of dre , seems to have been a purple band worn upon the tunic and toga, and was of two fashions, one broad and the other narrow, denominated respectively clavus lat us and clavus angustus . The former was a single broad band of purple, extending perpendicularly from the neck down the centre of the tunic; the latter probably consisted of two narrow purple slips, running parallel to each from the top to the bottom of the tunic, one from each shoulder. The lat us clavus was a distinctive badge of the senatorian order; and hence it is used to signify the senatorial dignity, and lati clavi us , the person who enjoys it. The angustus clavus was the decoration of the equestrian order; but the right of wearing the lat us clavus was also given to the children of equestrians, at least in the time of August us, as a prelude to entering the senate-house. This, however, was a matter of personal indulgence, and was granted only to persons of very ancient family and corresponding wealth, and then by special favour of the emperor. In such cases the lat us clavus was a umed with the toga virilis, and worn until the age arrived at which the young equestrian was admi ible into the senate, when it was relinquished and the angustus clavis resumed, if a disinclination on his part, or any other circumstances, prevented him from entering the senate, as was the case with Ovid. But it seems that the lat us clavus could be again resumed if the same individual subsequently wished to become a senator, and hence a fickle character is designated as one who is always changing his clavus. The lat us clavus is said to have been introduced at Rome by Tullus Hostilius, and to have been adopted by him after his conquest of the Etruscans; nor does it appear to have been confined to any particular cla during the earlier periods, but to have been worn by all ranks promiscuously. It was laid aside in public mourning. CLEPSȲDRA. [ Horologium . ]