prytaneum

[Lat. from Gr. prytaneion from prytanis =prytanis (q. v.).1 Greek Antiq.: The public hall in ancient Greek states or cities; espec. the public hall at Athens, in which the duties of hospitality were exercised toward citizens and strangers. Foreign emba adors were entertained there, and envoys on their return from a succe ful mi ion. The prytanes, and others to whom the privilege was granted, also took their meals there at the public cost. pryt-a-nis (pl. pryt-a-nēs), s. [Gr. prytanis.] Greek Antiquities : 1. One of a committee of fifty, composed of five ⚫ deputies chosen by lot from each of the ten phyla i or tribes, and so forming one-tenth of the Council or Senate at Athens. Out of these one was chosen by lot as chief-president. Their term of office was somewhat more than a month, during which time all treaties and public acts ran in their name. [PRYTANY.] 2. One of the chief magistrates in several states, as at Corinth, Miletus, .