modius

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   an ancient Roman dry measure, especially for grain, equal to about 8.7 liters or 0.96 imperial peck

   The contract set the price of Sicilian wheat at three sesterces per modius.

2. 2
   noun

   a bushel-shaped headdress or crown shown on certain deities in classical art

   The statue of Serapis wears a modius as a symbol of abundance.

A learned borrowing from Latin modius ('grain measure'), from modus ('measure, limit, manner'). The headdress was named for its resemblance to the cylindrical measuring vessel.

Topics