Balteus

or Balteum (a belt), R. (1) A baldric or wide belt which pa ed over one shoulder and beneath the other, for the purpose of suspending a sword, buckler, or any other arm. (2) The ornament on the baldric on which was marked the number of the legion to which a soldier belonged. (3) A richly ornamented band of leather placed round a horse’s breast, below the Monile, or throat-band (q.v.). (4) The broad belt in the sphere, which contains the signs of the Zodiac. (5) The bands surrounding the volutes of an Ionic capital. (6) The præcinct i ones, or small walls, or parapets, separating the different tiers in a theatre or amphitheatre. (Generally a BELT.) Bal the us , Med. Lat. for Balteus .